A CHARITY group based in Rishton has handed over £12,000 to the Christie Hospital after a year of fundraising.

The Christie Grafters handed over a cheque to a representative of the Christie Hospital, based in Manchester, at a celebratory meal in Rishton.

The group has been fundraising since 1999 and this is the biggest cheque yet, as it is double the amount they raised last year.

It has now raised in excess of £50,000.

Now the group will take over fundraising in Blackburn and Darwen as well as continuing their efforts in Rishton.

This year the group had a one day sale at The Centre in School Street raising a total of £800.

Lorraine Wallace, chairwoman of the group said: "The generosity of local people over the past year has been wonderful. It's important we continue our good work, especially as over 3,000 Lancashire people visit the Christie Hospital each year."

Other events for the year include bag packs and a garden fayre at Oswaldtwistle Mills.

If you would like to offer your support, donations or fundraising ideas to the Christie Grafters, call Lorraine Wallace on 01254 887 566.