Organisers of Cricklade's Town Festival have raised £1,300 for local charities.

Proceeds from June's event have been donated to the Cricklade Helping Hand Fund, a local charity run by the town's Sportsmen's Association.

The organisation aims to provide financial and practical assistance to people in the Cricklade area who need support because of illness or infirmity.

Nigel Wynne, chairman of the festival committee, said: "We were very pleased to have raised more than in the previous year.

"As the Helping Hand Fund's very new, this should really help to get them going."

The two-week festival is now in its fifth year and already the organisers are looking forward to this year's event, which will run from June 11.

Highlights will be a performance by the Wessex Male Voice Choir, a vintage motorcycle rally, school performances and a chance to visit some of the finest gardens in the town.

Mr Wynne said: "We try to involve most of the local organisations like the cubs, scouts and schools so they can get something out of the fortnight as well.

"We're always looking for volunteers to help run the festival, and financial support from local organisations."

To find out more about the festival, log on to www.crickladetown-festival.com