AN inspiring group of Mary Stevens Hospice fundraisers have shaken their last tin and announced they are disbanding after raising a whopping £315,180.

Irene Layton M.B.E and her merry band of pensioners tirelessly raised money for first Hayley Green Hospital and then Mary Stevens Hospice.

Some of the group started in 1979 but now, only as they either approach or are in their 80s, they have decided to enjoy a well-earned rest from organising the various events needed to generate cash.

Over the years they have put on countless tea parties, ballroom and sequence dances, Christmas, Easter and summer fairs, street collections and mini-markets in Halesowen.

Mrs Layton said: "It is time to call it a day as all good things must come to an end.

"There are 11 of us in the group and because of our age only four have been active lately so we think it is the right time to hand over to a new generation.

"We have raised exactly £315,180, and we could not have done it without the generosity of local people and the hard work of everyone in the group."

Mrs Layton first started fundraising for the Friends of Hayley Green Hospital but was left heartbroken when the Government closed it down.

She said: "I was so hurt when the hospital closed down, I loved that place, we all really put our heart and soul into the friends group.

"But after a few years I thought we should start raising money for Mary Stevens Hospice and we began 1998."

The Queen recognised Mrs Layton's sterling work by awarding her the MBE in 2006 and Irene was presented with the honour at Buckingham Palace.

The fundraising stalwart will always remain grateful for her group which includes Joan Jameson, Barbara Southall, Peter Southall, Madge Gill, Joan Lynn, Jenni Bird, Joan Baggott.

The 82-year-old said: "We have done so much together and I am so proud of everyone who has helped with all our events over the years."

A spokesman for Mary Stevens Hospice said: “Irene has been fundraising for the hospice for over 16 years and with the help of her fundraising group has helped the hospice raise huge sums of money.

"Her support, passion and dedication has been a real asset to the hospice and we are very sad to see her go.”