A FITNESS instructor rallied his students to raise £240 with a raffle at a Christmas get together.

Deane Hart threw a Christmas party for about 130 keep-fit fanatics who attend his classes at Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre.

A total of £240 was raised at the party, at Minh's restaurant in Kidderminster, on Sunday night.

The former contestant on TV's Gladiator said: "I thought instead of giving it to a run-of-the-mill charity we would give it to Operation Covert because they are a local group who need the help.

"Everyone knows about the Scouts, several people who attend the sessions have kids in the Scouts and one of the ladies plays a big role in Wyre Forest Scout groups."

l There are just a few of our special Operation Covert Scout badges left after district youngsters snapped up our exclusive design.

Just a handful of the badges are available from the Shuttle/Times and News office in Blackwell Street and through Wyre Forest Scout groups.

Car stickers are on sale from our offices and from John Beard ironmongers in Bridge Street, Kidderminster and Hire-It! in Worcester Road, Kidderminster.