CHARITABLE donations from members of Helsby Running Club who took part in the 28th Shell Four Villages Half Marathon totalled £6,900.

On Wednesday evening the club invited local charities and good causes to its base in Helsby Community Sports Club to receive their donation, which totalled £6,900.

Halton Haven Hospice, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Helsby Horns Mill School, Helsby High School, the North West County Fellowship, Frodsham Sea Scouts, Helsby Guides, Helsby Scouts, Dewa Explorer Scouts, Beacon Explorer Scouts, the Rotary Club of Frodsham and Helsby, the Canal Boat Project from Runcorn, Helsby Tennis Club and Helsby Community Sports Club will all benefit.

Running club chairman Andy Smith said: “It has always been a core aim to raise funds for charities and good causes. Now the marathon is in its 28th year, it is good be able to continue this tradition and raise so much money to help these groups, many of whom offer invaluable assistance on race day.

“We are also grateful to our sponsors, Shell and Asics, without whose support we would not be able to be so generous in our donations.”

Cash has been allocated for specific projects.

The North West County Fellowship will use its donation to subsidise orienteering, swimming and a five-a-side football competition for the District Scout Groups.

The Runcorn Canal Boat Trust will be adding to its project to send a team of young people to build an IT resource centre and library for children in a rural village in Ghana.

TheŠBeacon ExplorerŠScouts are funding a replacement engine for their water activities safety boat.

Helsby Guides will be sending two guides to International Guiding’s annual gathering, this year taking place in Belgium.

Frodsham and Helsby Rotary will make a donation to the youth club for a pool table.