FUNDRAISERS in Blackheath and Cradley Heath have donated almost £3,000 for charity thanks to a host of events.

Kind-hearted traders and volunteers behind Blackheath and Cradley Heath Christmas lights have handed over £2,856 to Macmillan Cancer Support.

The official charity for the event was Tree of Light, which was run by Shirley Ching, who works at Boots in Blackheath High Street.

Mrs Ching said: “The lights switch-on together with last year’s summer festivals and other fundraising throughout last year, raised £2,356. Boots has contributed an extra £500 bringing the total to £2,856 which is wonderful news for Macmillan.”

Councillor Barbara Price, Rowley Regis town lead member, said: "I am especially pleased the community was able to raise so much for such a worthy cause during 2013."