Two fundraising events recently held by the Milford Haven Rotary Club have helped to raise over £8,000 in aid of local charities and good causes.

The first of the local charities to benefit from the fund-raising events are HOPE and PATCH Community Projects, Friends of Pembrokeshire Crossroads, Parkinsons Pembrokeshire Branch and Milford Haven Gym Club, all benefiting to the tune of £800, and the Hakin School Shakespeare Group, receiving £400.

Under the stewardship of Rotarian Monty Belton, the first of the events, a race night, held at the Pill Social Club, Milford Haven, with 120 people attending, raised a staggering £5,500.

The evening was comple mented with a sit-down buffet meal and a raffle.

A big thank you to Valero, who generously sponsored the evening, and likewise to other local companies, including Dave Bowen Accountant, Morillos Coffee, Quentin Motors, Howden Joinery, Davies Building Supplies, Riverlea, Fred Rees Garages, Anthony Rees Livestock, Dai Rees Fencing, Jolly Sailor, Dale Sailing, Puffin Produce and many more individuals, who all contributed as race and food sponsors for the evening.

Horses for each race were sold to owners prior to the evening, with the exception of the last race, where horses were auctioned off on the night. Tote tickets were sold for horses as a wager for the punters to gamble on, while the winning owner received a bottle of wine and box of chocolates for their endeavours.

The second event, the annual Milford Haven Rotary charity golf day, held early May at Milford Haven Golf Club, saw a record £2,800 collected in aid of local charities and causes.

Twenty teams entered the competition, with prizes awarded to winning team, nearest the pin, best ladies' score and best gents' score. The day was sponsored jointly by FRIO, Austwel Construction, TBS Skips, Links Taxis, JSI Timber Frame and Gamallt Concrete. Thirty course sponsors, predominately a mix of local businesses, also made a big contribution towards the final total.

Drinks were supplied by the Rotary Club on the seventh green and players are thanked for their generous donations for the refreshments. To conclude the day, presentations were made to the winners and a prize draw raffle held with a wide selection of prizes, including an ipod donated by South Hook LNG.

Rotary Club of Milford Haven would like to thank all sponsors for their contributions and all those persons, including Rotarians, who helped make the two events as successful as they were.