MEMBERS of the Old Town Festival committee have presented a cheque for £1,345.72 to Twigs, their chosen charity for the year.

The cash was gathered via bucket collections at this year’s festival which was held in June.

“I would like to thank everyone who donated, it really was a fantastic amount to collect for such a worthy cause and thanks also to all of the committee for giving so freely of their time, they are all stars,” said Josie Williams, Festival Chairman

Josie also thanked the supporters and sponsors who included the Swindon Advertiser, Screaming Media, 105.5 Community Radio, Commonweal School, Drove Vets, Baker Street public house, Kitty Langan Studio and various festival friends.

Friends of Twigs supports two local mental health projects: Twigs (Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon) and the Olive Tree café.

The money will go towards sustaining Twigs kitchen garden project which not only provides fruit and vegetables for the café, but also makes a positive difference to the lives of the staff and volunteers who work in it.

Liza Lishman, Friend of Twigs said: "We would like to thank both the Old Town Festival committee for choosing to support us and everyone who put money in a bucket at the festival this summer – you do make a difference.”

Planning has already begun for 2017 and the dates have been set for July 8-15 next year. The Family Fun day on Lawn is Sunday July 9 and the pop concert in the Bowl is Saturday, July 15.

“We had to change the date for next year as a lot of the committee had family events to attend and I didn’t want to leave any one out,” said Josie.

Info on how to take part is on the festival’s website at: www.oldtownfestival.org