FILM lovers helped to raise hundreds of pounds for charity by eating ice cream.

Free cones were handed out in exchange for donations at the Ben and Jerry’s stall at the Empire cinema, in Greenbridge, last week.

More than 500 scoops of ice cream were served up, raising £569.30 for Swindon Cares.

Bill Fishlock, vice-chairman of Swindon Cares, said the money would be divided between Swindon Cares’ two charities for the year, The Rowdy Bunch and Football in the Community.

He said: “We’re into our second year with those two charities. The Rowdy Bunch is an evening club on a Friday for disadvantaged and disabled people. Football in the Community sponsors football for people who are disadvantaged.

“Being given donations from the cone day was very unexpected. Everyone enjoyed the event. Some people had more than one.”

There were games in the cinema foyer with the help of Swindon Town Football Club and Football in the Community, as well as a tombola, raffle, face painting and a guess the coin competition.

Last year, Swindon Cares raised £17,000, which was split between the two charities.

Bill said a collection at the football ground earlier this year brought in about £400 in funds. Money has also been raised through a Scrabble tournament.

And he said he was pleased with the response at the cone day and thanked everyone who donated.

“Normally speaking, the manager said during the day they get about 4,000 people coming through,” said Bill.

“It goes in rushes. As the films start, there are lots of people coming through, and then while they’re in the cinema, nothing is happening. Then they come out and the next lot come in.”

The event took place on April 3, and ran from 6pm until 9pm.

Jo Moore, Nicola Harris, Bradley Wood and Emily Staten were scooping on the day and Frankie Williams was face painting.