FUND-raisers in Wyre Forest have been praised for their contribution of more than £130,000 to Kemp Hospice.

People from the district and nearby Tenbury Wells held sponsored events and joined in the hospice's appeals and campaigns to help generate the funds.

Head of marketing and fund-raising for the Kidderminster-based hospice, Patricia Head, said: "Year on year, the costs of providing services to the community are growing and the communities of both areas continue to rise to the challenge of providing a level of support through fund-raising and volunteering that is inspirational.

"Money is raised from a variety of sources, including applications to trusts and foundations and through legacies but we are still dependent on the local community for the major part of our income.

"Between April and December of this year, the community has already raised more than £130,000 through their own fund-raising activities and by participating in our appeals and campaigns."

Kemp Hospice is an independent local charity providing respite care to people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and practical and emotional support to their families.

Chairman of the trustees, Isobel Dale, said: 'Without the outstanding support of the local community we would not be here and without their ongoing commitment we could not continue.

"Our sincere and heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has donated money, organised or taken part in a fund-raising event or campaign or volunteered hours of their time to assist in the work of the hospice."