SWINDON Lions have raised £1,700 from holding Christmas collections for the Swindon Special Care Baby Unit.

They have been visiting local supermarkets with their Santa sleigh collecting money from the public.

So far, they have visited the Waitrose in Wichelstowe and the Sainsbury’s in Stratton.

Over the next two weekends they will be visiting Morrisons in Dorcan and the Sainsbury’s in Bridgemead.

Maurice Watson, past president of Swindon Lions, said: “We have had a great start last weekend despite the weather.

“These collections are just part of our continuing work for the community.

“We try our best to help others through this method and it really does help those who need it most whether that be an individual or charity.

“We are very proud to be a part of making a difference to the people of Swindon.”

Members of the group plough hours and hours of their spare time into thinking up ways of helping those less fortunate than themselves and they are constantly searching for new members who may have fresh ideas for raising cash or simply want to give some time to helping out.

For more information about other areas where the club helps out in the local community visit the website SwindonLions.org.