A BRIERLEY Hill based charity has been bowled over by the generosity of Sainsbury's shoppers.

The Paul Ackrill Fund was selected by Sainsbury's Withymoor store as its chosen charity for the year.

Staff at the store rallied to stage a number of fundraising events ranging from quizzes and tombolas to sponsored walks.

As a result, they raised a total of £4,528-53p from their efforts.

But that total was more than doubled by the sale of carrier bags, not only from Withymoor, but the Wollaston and Wordsley stores as well which netted another £4,731.

Gill Ackrill, who set up the fund in memory of her son back in 2002 (pictured), couldn't hide her delight and said: "Sainsbury's have been absolutely wonderful. The money from them will help keep the fund going right throughout 2017.

"This year alone, we've already paid out £6,200 and I've already got another three requests waiting to be dealt with which will almost certainly see us past the £7,000 mark.

"Every year I always wonder whether it will be the last. But when I hear about what some people have to go through, it seems as though a donation from the fund isn't enough. But we have such wonderful supporters that we keep going."

Since its formation The Paul Ackrill Fund has paid out well over £160,000 to people under 30-years-old who have been diagnosed with cancer.