KINVER Rotary Club’s Christmas sleigh outings have raised more than £5,000 for needy causes in Kinver, Wollaston, Enville and Wall Heath.

The club managed to visit two new locations this year - Doulton Brook in Wollaston and Aldi at Kingswinford/Pensnett - before heavy snow forced the cancellation of four nights' of Santa tours.

Club president Clive Corbett said: “Although it is sad that the weather left us no option but to disappoint many children on the four routes we were unable to undertake, the joy that we gave to so many is a great thing and the real essence of Kinver Rotary's work.”

The money adds to £11,000 raised from a host of other fundraisers over the last two months.

The club's 10K Sheepwalks Shocker, held in October, has raised £6,600 for Dudley’s Action Heart charity and a further £307 has been awarded to the Kinver Fitness Collective from the associated 2K family event.

While the club's annual Children in Need quiz hosted by Voice of the Balls Alan Dedicoat netted £1,125 - and the club’s harvest auction put £1,273 into its general charity account.

A whisky tasting evening raised £752 for the Place2B charity and a music evening organised by the club’s international committee resulted in £982 being earmarked for overseas charitable works.

President Clive Corbett said: “We hope anybody who views Rotary as a movement for elderly gentlemen who meet and eat will change their opinions as they realise we support a wide variety of charities while, at the same time, having great enjoyment from all we do.”

Anyone who enjoys organising events to help those less fortunate, quizzing, listening to music, appreciating good whiskeys or enjoying fellowship with like-minded people is invited to contact Kinver Rotary Club membership secretary Tom Bryson on 07541 449807 to find out more about becoming a member.