THE Rotary Club of Astley's festive fundraising amassed a record amount.

Residents donated £3,500 as the club's Christmas float visited the housing estates in Astley on eight evenings in the run up to the big day.

Club members also spent two weekends collecting money at the Tesco and Sainsbury's supermarkets in Leigh.

A spokesman said: "We wish to thank the generosity of people in donating a record £3,500 to the club's collection boxes, which will enable us to continue our sterling work in supporting groups, charities and other worthwhile causes both locally and internationally."

During the past year the club has supported a range of good causes in the borough, including giving illustrated dictionaries to schools, tree and bulb planting at various sites, donations to the Leigh and Atherton Foodbank and supporting The Pelican Centre in Tyldesley.