THORNBURY’S Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has received a cash boost from one of the town’s most prolific fundraisers.

Thanks to the support of Sandra Davies, landlady of The Swan, the CAB has been able to purchase new electronic equipment to bring the facilities into the 21st century.

The Swan supports a different local cause each month, raising money through weekly quizzes, bingo and raffle.

Last month’s recipient was the Thornbury Lights Association and punters are currently supporting Thornbury In Bloom.

Ms Davies, 49, led her customers to raise £1,125 for the CAB to upgrade their old computers and software.

CEO of South Gloucestershire CAB Christine Kenny said the organisation relied on generous fundraisers like the publican.

She said: “Sandra’s been a fantastic supporter of the bureau over the past couple of years and it’s great to know that we have the confidence of the community for our work.

“Without Sandra’s help, and that of the many people who have raised money for CAB, it’s unlikely that we could have continued to provide a presence in Thornbury.”

The charity was almost forced to fold last year after central government withdrew legal aid funding to charities nationwide, creating a £50,000 hole for South Gloucestershire bureaus.

A campaign launched by the Gazette raised £12,000 to save the advice centre – and inspired Ms Davies to first start supporting the CAB.

Since taking over the pub in 2011, Ms Davies has raised more than £22,000 for local groups.

Her dedication to fundraiser led for her to be nominated and win a Chair of South Gloucestershire Community Award last month.

She told the Gazette she had been really surprised to be nominated.

“I didn't think that anyone notices what we do at The Swan as we do things because we enjoy doing them," she said. "It’s nice to give something back to the local community, as it is the community that supports me in being able to continue to do the job I enjoy.

“But it’s not me that should have been recognised, it should be the customers."

It costs £21,000 to keep the Thornbury CAB running for a year and the site is still short £1,000 for the current financial year.