A FAMILY raising funds for Romanian orphans was over the moon at the generosity of mourners at a small private funeral who gave £500 to their cause.

Friends of Sarah Hampton, a young Stourport woman killed in a road accident in May, asked people attending the funeral to contribute to the Sarah Hampton Sunshine Appeal instead of giving flowers.

The funeral was for 75-year-old Bertram Bullock, grandfather of Clare Bullock, 18, who was a great friend of Sarah's.

Clare, of Forest Heights Ribbesford, Bewdley, said: "All my family knew Sarah including my grandfather. She was always happy and loved everybody and everybody loved her.

"I think it is brilliant and brave that her family have set up this charity to remember her."

Sarah's father optician Mike Hampton, who is setting up an eye clinic for orphans and the destitute in Romania, said: "We were amazed at the warmth and generosity of just 22 people at the funeral."

After the latest donation the fund has risen to more than £6,700, but double the amount is needed to pay for up-to-date eye-testing equipment in the clinic.

The Shuttle/Times & News offices in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, and High Street, Stourport, are acting as collecting centres for gift boxes to be shipped to Romania through the charity.

Goods can include non-perishable foods, hygiene essentials, soft toys and children's clothes and shoes.

Cash donations should be sent to the Sunshine Appeal at Hamptons The Opticians, Crown Close, Bromsgrove. Further information is available on 01527 577350.