July 16: SWINDON CARES: FOOTBALL mania hit the Evening Advertiser offices as the whole building did their bit to raise cash for Swindon Cares week.

Staff dressed up in football shirts, raffled prizes and stuffed themselves with cake all in the aid of three local charities.

Footballing skills were also tested in a dribbling competitions as well as a penalty shoot out contest.

Advertising manager Chris Moore co-ordinated the day's events.

He said: "Everyone has been a great sport. People across the building have joined in."

A host of local businesses donated raffle prizes to the Evening Advertiser.

Administrator Paul Healey wore a 1995 Swindon Town shirt and paid a £1 for the privilege.

He said: "It is all for good charities.

"I am a town supporter so it's really great to wear the kit into work."

Nationwide, Zurich, GWR Community Trust, the Rotary Club of Swindon, Swindon Council, the Swindon Chamber, BBC Radio Swindon and the Evening Advertiser are backing the Swindon Cares initiative which is in its second year.

Last year's fundraising drive brought in £15,000 - £5,000 more than the original target.

The money was donated to Age Concern, Macmillan Cancer Relief and NSPCC Swindon.

This year the target is £30,000 and the money raised will go to the same three charities, plus the GWR Community Trust, which will distribute its share among a wide range of local charities