A ROTARY club has handed out more than £5,000 to charities following a series of fundraising events.

Manningtree Rotary Club hosted a presentation evening at The Crown pub to culminate with the end of its fundraising efforts last week.

The club donated £5,600 to 11 local groups.

A spokeswoman for the club said: “Thanks to the generosity of residents of Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford, and also to members of the Rotary Club of Manningtree and Stour Valley braving the cold and following Santa's Sleigh around on the annual Christmas door to door collection, over £5,600 was raised.

“Charities included, Bradfield and Lawford scout groups, Wecare Wildlife Rescue, Mistley Kids Club, Cara, NEST, Acorn Village, EACH, Harwich Horse Rangers, North Essex Veterans and Whizz Kids.”

Acorn Village received £500 from the donation pot and thanked the rotary club for its support.

A spokesman for Acorn Village said: “Our chief executive Michelle Cook attended a special evening to receive the cheque from club president Stephen Coiley and to give an update about Acorn Village to all the group's members.”

For more information on the work Manningtree Rotary Club visit facebook.com/manningtreerotary/.