Bath's most colourful and irrepressible fundraiser, 'Mad' Eli Collins, treated himself to an early shot of Christmas spirit when he handed out cheques to local worthy causes totalling almost £4,000.

At a reception held in Kingsmead Court Community Centre, former wrestler Eli shared out the donations to 19 different groups, including the Claverton Cats and Dogs Home, the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Corn Market Family Centre, as well as promising to treat some of the city's pensioners to enjoy a free night out at the pantomime.

Mr Collins said: "All these wonderful people do so much for our community and I just want to show that their efforts and hard work are appreciated."

Most of the money was raised from coins thrown by tourists into Eli's toy-filled courtyard in Johnstone Street.

Other contributions came from the sale of Eli's wrestling videos, which will now form the major bedrock for his future fund raising efforts.

He said: "From now on, I intend to concentrate on raising money from the courtyard and the videos. That way, I can still continue to help those most in need locally."