CHARITIES including a parent teacher association near Stroud have received a £1,000 Christmas gift. 

Over a hundred charities across the country, including some in Gloucestershire were nominated to win a share of £120,000 by members of the public as part of the Benefact Group’s annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.

Minchinhampton School Parent Teacher Association, and New Start Cat Rescue, a charity that rescues unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens, are among the local charities set to benefit from the money following overwhelming public support in the area.

Almost 13,000 votes for charities were cast by generous Gloucestershire residents, helping to spread festive cheer for charities this Christmas. 

Thanking supporters in Gloucestershire, Mark Hews, group chief executive of Benefact Group, said: “We are thrilled to be giving £120,000 to 120 fantastic charitable causes across the country. 

"I’d like to thank every single Gloucestershire resident that took the time to nominate a charity close to their hearts.

"We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”