SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Patriotic locals at the Moonrakers pub turned St George's Day into a money-spinner for charity.

Some 70 regulars at the pub in Cricklade Road raised £209 for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

That has taken the total raised so far to almost £90,000.

Among the revellers was none other than Swindon town crier Fred Ferris.

Fred, 71, who heads off to the World Town Crier Championships in Cornwall on May 10, said: "It was a very happy night.

"There was more laughter in the pub than I had heard for a very long time. Everyone had such a wonderful time."

Fred has enjoyed a tipple at the Moonrakers for some eight years. He said: "I made up the questions beforehand and read them out.

"I enjoy watching television quiz shows and every now and then when I hear a good question I jot it down. My favourite quizzes are The Weakest Link and 15-to-One."

Pub manager Mark Tait, 43, said he thought the evening was unique.

"No other pubs around here hold St George's Day events and not many people even know what day it is," he said.

"The appeal is a good idea. I know a lot of people who have died from cancer. I'm planning to start a sponsored diet in a couple of weeks. I'll give that money to Macmillan too."

Mark's sponsored slim to lose three stone - he now weighs 15 stone - will start on May 12.

The Moonrakers event also included a raffle with prizes such as a BMX bike, a fondue set, beer and baseball caps.

The appeal total has now leaped up to £89,994 and ideas for fundraisers are still flooding into the Appeal office in Milton Road, Swindon.

Appeal manager Graziella Campisano said the latest donation was fantastic.

She said: "It just goes to show that St George's Day can also be a great fundraiser.

"Congratulations to all those who helped raised the money at the Moonrakers.

"I look forward to hearing how Mark's weight loss is going and we wish him all the very best of luck."

If you would like to sponsor Mark as he loses weight call him on Swindon 721017.

To make a donation to the appeal online, click here.

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.