SWINDON CARES: SWINDON Cares week hasn't even finished yet but the fundraising drive has already exceeded its target of raising £10,000 for three local charities.

So far companies, schools and individuals across the town have raised nearly £11,000, and the money is still rolling in from events held during the week with more taking place this weekend.

All proceeds will benefit the NSPCC, Age Concern and the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Arkell's Brewery director George Arkell has done his bit by taking to the skies.

The 24-year-old did a sponsored parachute jump in tandem with a member of the Red Devils Display Team in aid of Swindon Cares.

The initiative is chaired by his father James, the managing director of the brewery.

George said: "It is not the first time I've done a parachute jump. But the last one was on a static line.

"This time I jumped from 13,000 feet and spent the first 45 seconds in freefall at 120 mph. It was incredibly exhilarating."

George thinks he has raised more than £300 for charity and says he would be happy to do it again as long as there was a pint of 3Bs waiting for him on the ground.

The drive is supported by Nationwide, Zurich Financial Services, The Evening Advertiser, GWR Community Trust, BBC Radio Swindon, Rotary Club of Swindon, Swindon Council and Swindon Chamber of Commerce.

Staff from all these companies have entered into the spirit of Swindon Cares week and thought up wacky ways to raise money.

These included coming to work in fancy dress, doing a sponsored silence, adopting jelly babies for the day, as well as hosting mufti days, raffles and competitions.

The Swiss Chalet in Gorse Hill still has a weekend of fun lined up in aid of Swindon Cares.

People can start the festive season early by enjoying a Christmas dinner on Saturday lunchtime and Saturday night will be transformed into New Year's Eve celebrations.

Sunday will be a children's fun day with a spaghetti eating competition to keep them amused at the same time as raising money for the scheme.

Swindon Cares week ends today but it is not too late to help. Call Pam Webb on (01793) 502450 or e-mail her at pam. webb@ uk.zurich.com.