GENEROUS fundraisers handed cheques to charity groups after raising money with their Christmas collections.

Clacton Lions presented the money at a special presentation evening last week.

Honoured guests included Mark Platt, chairman of Tendring Council, and Mandy Hawksley, Lions Clubs’ district governor.

A total of £8,250 was collected and the main recipient was Clacton RNLI.

Steve Cole, fundraising chairman for the branch, was handed a cheque for £4,000 by Clacton Lions President Jim Godden.

Mr Cole said the money would go towards training current crew members on new sonar and radar equipment.

The club thanked Tesco, Asda, Fiveways Co-op, and Morrisons for their assistance during the collections.

Cheques for their respective charities, Diabetes UK, Tickled Pink, East Anglian Children’s Hospice and CLIC Sargent, were presented during the event.

Various other groups that have assisted the Lions during the past year were also rewarded.

TCVS’ Sharon Alexander gave a short talk on voluntary services.