STONEHOUSE Rotary gave away thousands of pounds worth of cheques to charities and good causes thanks to their annual Christmas carol and Santa float over festive period.

The float, which carried Father Christmas, visited Stroud, Stonehouse and various supermarkets and raised more than £10,000 throughout December.

Stonehouse Rotary president Gill Rogers presented cheques for £1,000 on Wednesday, January 28 to the chosen charities.

The Alzheimer’s Society, The Midlands Air Ambulance, Gloucester Young Carers and The Cotswold Care Hospice all benefitted.

Severn Vale and Dursley Rotary Clubs also came along and received their part of the proceeds thanks to helping achieve the outstanding collection total.

Both clubs will also be presenting cheques to their chosen charities, which between them include Stroud District Foodbank, The National Autistic Society, Motor Neurone Disease, The Gambian Project, The Nelson Trust, The Cotswold Canal Trust and Local Youth Charities.

Bryan Webster of Stonehouse Rotary said: “It was the great giveaway evening.

“With money left over the rotary club will be distributing more donations later on in the year to other charitable causes.”

Stonehouse Rotary was pleased to present two further cheques to Park Infant School and Park Junior School.

Thanks to the Rotary Five Valleys Fireworks event in October, the club was able to present £3,600 to the two schools.

Head teacher of Park Infant School, Rachel Edwards and Head teacher of Park Junior School, Richard Gasser were delighted to receive cheques of £1,800 each from Ms Rogers.

Each year Stonehouse Rotary Club carry Father Christmas on a float visiting homes around Stroud and Stonehouse with carol singers collecting donations for their chosen charities.