ROTARY Ponteland has hailed several of their Christmas charity events a success after raising a total of £4,700 for Children’s Cancer North (CCN).

One of the fundraisers was the annual Santa Sleigh Tour, which extended this year to take in the Bellway estate and the number of stopping points increased to avoid families who do not live en route missing out.

Members of the Rotary were surprised to see residents turn out in large numbers despite the cold weather, but were glad to announce the event raised £500 for charity.

Organiser John Cooper said: “It was really great to see the excitement on the faces of the young children and their parents too that made all of our efforts worthwhile.”

The Christmas Market, held at Ponteland Community Primary School, was also a success, raising £1,000, with more than 30 local craft and food stalls featured. 

Rotary Ponteland is now planning to hold both events in the village next year.

President Janet Cusworth said: “We were very grateful to our Rotary friends and helpers who volunteered with us at our Christmas events, without their help it would not have been possible.

"If you would like to know more about Rotary Ponteland, we can be contacted by e-mail at info@rotaryponteland.org.uk.”

An in-store collection at Tesco Extra, Kingston Park, raised £420 and Rotary Ponteland also attracted additional funding from Lloyds Bank Foundation with all monies being raised match-funded.

Dale Wighton, Senior Bank Manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Congratulations to Rotary Ponteland for organising these events for our local community and with it the fundraising efforts supporting Children’s Cancer North. I’m proud that my colleagues from Lloyds have given their time to join these events which will see every penny donated by you matched by the Lloyds Bank Foundation. Thank you for allowing us to be involved”.