CHARITIES have benefited to the tune of tens of thousands of pounds, thanks to the efforts of businesses and individuals around Wiltshire.

The GWR FM Community Trust has run a Christmas Appeal for 22 years and this year managed to raise £50,000.

Among the events was a firewalk in the middle of Swindon, at the end of November which saw a number of local businesses put teams foward.

The grant-giving evening, held at the trust's sponsor Nationwide Building Society's headquarters in Pipers Way, saw more than 50 charitable and voluntary organisations given grants.

For the first time, the trust has given out money for two and three-year schemes, with Swindon's Smash Youth Project receiving £10,000 towards a staff member and Druglink the recipient of £4,500 for staff training respectively.

Other groups receiving cash included Ferndale Netball Club, given £250 towards new kit and first aid equipment, Greendown playgroup, which received £200 to refurbish an outdoor play area and Swindon Heartstop, which received £1,000 to replace old equipment.

Trust manager Rachel Addis said: "There are so many worthwhile groups that are an asset to their communities that we struggled to choose which would benefit from the money raised. We are fundraising throughout the whole year so we are able to provide grants on a quarterly basis."

The Community Trust was set up as a charity in 1986 and has so far raised more than £2.32 million for more than 11,000 groups across Wiltshire. It started in 1982 with Wiltshire Radio's GWR's parent company first Christmas Appeal.

l The next event is a 150-foot Scad freefall in Trowbridge and the Orbital shopping centre car park in Swindon on April 23 and April 24 respectively.

Scad stands for Suspended Catch Air Device and allows daredevils to plunge as if in freefall but attached to a safety harness.

To sign up for the freefall which costs £90 or volunteer at an event contact the trust on 01793 663060 or log on to www.musicradio.com