THOUSANDS of pounds of donations have been handed to good causes in the town.

Swindon Lions Club has given cheques for £1,000 to the Hydrotherapy Pool, Twigs, Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Swindon Interactive Art, Threshold Housing Link, Swindon Young Carers, and Hope for Tomorrow.

The money was raised through their firework display at the Polo Ground.

Past president Maurice Watson said: “We had a bumper year at the fireworks last November, everything went so well. This is a way of saying to Swindon thank you very much for coming and this is what your money is going to do.”

The group raised about £20,000 at the fireworks display and the rest of the money paid for the event itself and some will be used as contingency money for this year’s event.

The Swindon Lions branch has been operating for 47 years and has raised more than £300,000 in that time.

“We are always looking for new members to join us and help us in our fundraising and social activities,” said Maurice.

For more information email membership@swindonlionsclub.org.uk.