A FUNDRAISING game of classic card game bridge came up trumps as more than £1,000 was raised to boost scanner appeal funds.

The successful charity bridge drive to raise money for the Kidderminster Hospitals League of Friends scanner appeal was held in Blakedown.

A crowd of 92 bridge fans and players enjoyed some good and some not so good hands of the cards followed by a lunch, a raffle and prizes. A total of more than £1,000 was raised for the cause.

Organiser Gill Onslow of Fundraising Friends, a new independent group that has been formed to raise cash for charities, thanked the 92 who attended, the helpers and all of the sponsors.

Peter Picken, from the League of Friends' scanner appeal, said: "This was a fantastic result which shows what can be achieved when groups such as Fundraising Friends are prepared to organise events to raise moeny for good causes."

He added when the appeal was launched in The Shuttle about 13 months ago, the target of £125,000 seemed to be a great challenge, particuarly in the difficult times but "thanks to the support of the local community, we are now close to having raised £110,000".

Mr Picken urged groups and individuals to consider what they could do to help to raise the remaining money.

The new CT Scanner, which the appeal is helping to fund, is now in daily use, giving the local community a vital service.

People can make a donation to the scanner appeal by calling the Kidderminster Hospitals League of Friends on 01562 67653.

Cheques can be made payable to the Kidderminster Hospitals League of Friends and sent to The Shuttle's new address at St Johns House, St Johns Road, Stourbridge, DY8 1EH.

Fundraising Friends are organising a quiz night on Friday, July 4, at Areley Kings Village Hall to raise money for land and river rescue organisation the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA), who are still recovering fro a busy winter of floods and a break-in at the Cookley-based Wyre Forest rescue station.

For more information on the quiz event call Terry White on 01562 752973.