A BIG-HEARTED regular at a Droitwich Spa watering hole gave a worthwhile cause a generous boost by handing over £500.

The anonymous benefactor gave the cash to the landlord of The Ring O Bells after being touched by the media coverage of the violent school siege in Beslan, Russia.

He told Shirley Sutton, who runs the pub on The Holloway, it was to get a fundraising appeal started.

"I couldn't believe it when he came in and handed the cash to me over the bar, in new notes," she said. "It is just so generous!"

She said the man, who is a well-known character in the pub, said that he really felt for the 1,000 people who were held in the three-day siege, in which 326 were slaughtered.

This month's attack staged by Chechen rebels also saw 727 injured. Now the popular venue wants to boost the coffers with a host of fundraising activities including a grand raffle.

So far, some of the regulars have donated prizes including bottles of whiskey, a watch and a picture frame but Shirley is now appealing to the wider community for more gifts.

"We would love to have raffle prizes donated by individuals as well as businesses in the area," she said.

Two men, who also drink in the pub are planning to have their heads shaved for the cause and a glass jar is already collecting pennies on the bar.

"This £500 is a great start to the appeal and we hope to raise a lot more.

Anyone interested in offering some help can call Shirley on 01905 770083.