THE landlady of a popular pub in Thornbury and her locals are celebrating after raising over £150,000 for community causes.

Sandra Davies, reopened the Swan in Thornbury eleven years ago and has worked tirelessly alongside her customers to raise the outstanding amount of money which has been distributed to local charities.

She reopened the pub in 2011 and said it was thanks to the people of Thornbury that it has been able to remain open, despite its own financial issues.

The kind-hearted landlady said her main focus for raising money is to help as many people as she can after she sadly lost her son to suicide five years ago.

Sandra explained twice a year fundraisers are held in honour of her son Matthew, to mark the anniversary of his death and his birthday.

The events, held in March and September are aimed at Alzheimer and dementia charities, as Matthew's grandparents suffered from the diseases.

Sandra, who is also helping with a number of plans for the Queen's platinum jubilee said all money raised from the events will go to Thornbury in Bloom, before they pick their next charity - which could be anyone who wants help.

"If somebody comes to me with an idea to help a charity or person in need, I will do," she said. 

After opening her function room for donations to help Ukraine- the Swan sent three lorry loads to the war-torn country and raised over £4,000 to help with supplies.

"I couldn't sit and do nothing, we have the space to hold the donations and everyone wanted to help- it went a bit mad- we had donations coming from everywhere, but we were so pleased to have been able to help."

As well as Thornbury in Bloom, the Swan has donated funds to local volunteer and stroke centres, to the annual Christmas light display and recently to New Siblands school, for equipment.

Maragarita Steer, deputy head at New Siblands said: "The Swan has been very generous with their donations to New Siblands and we are very grateful.

"This year we have been able to put their donation towards buying communication technology.

"This is so important as it enables our pupils to have a voice and use it as well as enable them to be more independent.

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"Really, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the people of Thornbury for helping us to help others in the town, that need it," she said.

"The support has allowed the pub to stay open, has helped so many other people and to raise £150,000 for charity it's just something we should all be so proud of, because we did it together."