MEMBERS of Swindon's Round Table have dished out thousands of pounds to Swindon charities.

Local groups, including the Swindon Downs Syndrome group, Swindon Pathfinders and Swindon Carers, will each benefit from £1,000 raised by Round Table volunteers.

The volunteers dressed up as Santa and braved the rain, snow and cold to ask youngsters what they wanted for Christmas in Swindon town centre during the run-up to the big day.

James Harvey-Samuel, of the Swindon branch of the Round Table, said: "We all took it in turns, dressed up in an itchy white beard and talked to children about what they wanted for Christmas.

"It was a enjoyable experience. The children wanted a whole variety of things, but some just cried.

"We would also have a little bit of fun, if you knew someone walking by, you could talk to them and they would do a double-take and wonder who you are."

The Round Table has been doing the festive fund raising for four decades.

Each year members choose different charities to benefit.

Another £1,000, also raised at Christmas will be donated to a local charity yet to be decided during the year.

Gillian Barber, of the Swindon Carers Centre said: "A thousand pounds is a nice round, useful sum of money, and we are grateful that the Round Table has taken an interest in our work and decided to support us. We plan to use the money on our counselling service for carers."