A FUNDRAISING group has given more than £1,500 to help a hospice train counsellors to support patients with life-limiting illnesses in Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Thirsk Rotary Club said it had donated £700 of funds raised at its fireworks event on Thirsk Racecourse in November and £860 from activities over the festive period to Herriot Hospice Homecare.

Fireworks night organiser Malcolm Sollitt said he was delighted the change in format by spending far more on fireworks, charging for entry and moving the venue for the event had been well received by the visitors and that it made more than it cost.

The club was so pleased with the public response to the event, it decided to find a further amount from its other fundraising efforts, such as Santa's visits to homes in Thirsk and Sowerby, to add to the funds raised for the hospice.

A club spokesman said: "Had the public not taken to the new fireworks format we were facing a significant potential loss of funds.

"But the public did turn up, they loved it and want us to do it again."

Christine Robinson, the hospice's fundraising manager, said the counsellors' training was costly as it had to be comprehensive.

She said: "We provide a free service, but we must find the money to be able to keep up our high standards and this will be a great help."