WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE Lions were proud to make sizeable donations to four local charities at their September meeting.

Members of the group welcomed representatives from Cotswold Care, Bournstream Trust, Wotton Scout and Guide Group and Willow Trust.

Each of the groups collected donations of £1,000, which the Lions group had raised with recent fundraising activities.

One of the beneficiaries was the local Scout and Guide group, who have an agreement with the Lions club to allow them to use the facilities at Conygres.

Group President Ken Tucker said: “The Lions approached us a few years back and asked if they could use the site to stage their annual Beer and Bands fundraising evening.

“Recognising the support that the Lions give to Youth activities we were happy to help. In return the Lions have made significance donations that have enabled us to develop our outdoor activity centre. The partnership benefits us all.”

Another donation went to the Bournstream Trust, which operates an outdoor adventure play area for children with special needs.

Howard Thorp from the Trust said: “The donation from the Lions will fund the printing of our new leaflet by the Bristol artist who designed & painted our unique play house murals.

"This is sent out to new families joining the play site & addressed to the disabled child themselves to welcome and engage them.”

The Willow Trust has now begun its 24th season of providing days on the waters of the Sharpness Canal for disabled and seriously ill children and adults with their carers.

“Operating our two fully wheelchair accessible boats is expensive and every penny needs to be raised to keep them afloat” said Liz Rowland, of Willow Trust. “We appreciate the efforts the Lions make in raising these valuable funds.”

Completing the evening was a donation to the Cotswold Care Hospice. This was one of the earliest charities that the Lions supported and Marilyn Mapstone accepting the cheque commented on the difference made by club's donations.

Lion President Tony Haworth said: “the Lions recognise the great work in supporting the community carried out by all of these organisations and we are proud to be able to help.”