A GROUP from Melksham has handed over a cheque for over £2,000 to Carers Support Wiltshire as a result of its fundraising efforts.

The Wessex Model and Toys Collectors (WMTC) members, who meet once a month at The Kings Arms in Melksham Market Place, met with Catharine Hurford, the charities chief executive of Carers Support Wiltshire, to hand over a cheque for £2,216.

“We raised the money in 2016 after choosing Carer Support Wiltshire as our charity of the year. We chose the charity as they are right on our doorstep and do very good work,” said Steve Clements, chairman of the WMTC club.

“I walked along the coastline of the Isle of Wight which was 70 miles in July, from that I raised £800. I did it over three days, thankfully the weather was on my side.”

As well as the sponsored walk, the club also raised money from its annual Christmas event at its December meeting.

“We held an auction on the first Tuesday of December and from that we raised £1,400. We have been raising money for the last 20 years, in doing so we have donated over £70,000 for 20 charities. We always choose local, smaller charities to benefit from our fundraising,” added Mr Clements.

The money from the WMTC will go towards Carer Support Wiltshire and its work helping people across the county in their role as a carer, giving them the chance to have a break from their busy work.

Jon Berridge, partnerships development manager at Carer Support Wiltshire, said: "We are extremely grateful for the support of Wessex Model and Toy Collectors. There are over 47,000 unpaid carers looking after family or friends in Wiltshire and many rarely get a break from their caring role. Our Time For Carers Appeal is raising £25,000 to give carers a break- to do all those things we take for granted, like catching up with friends, going to the cinema or taking part in a sport or hobby.

"It’s so fitting that this generous gift is being made by an organisation that understands the importance of having hobbies. Who knows, some of the beneficiaries of the appeal may be future members of the Wessex Model and toy Collectors club."