VOLUNTEERS have once again spread the holiday cheer by raising thousands of pounds for charities.

The Manningtree Rotary Club in Stour Valley have extended their thanks for the generosity Tendring residents have shown in supporting Christmas float collections in Manningtree and the surrounding area.

A profit of £4,412 was donated to the mobile float collectors as they toured the area and collected in Manningtree town centre.

These funds will be supported by Gift Aid and other donations which will add to more than £6000 to be given in support of charities, an increase on last year.

Rotarian David Shearmur said: “The collections went very well, in the last couple of years we’ve had to change the system as we can’t knock on front doors.

“The float is a trailer with music and it tours the streets of Manningtree, Lawford, Mistley and Bradfield.

“This year was more successful than last year, there were small expenses to maintain the float and the music system

“Money goes into local charities, we ask our members to decide where they want to donate the money, we support various groups serving children or those with special needs in the local area.”