A TOTAL of 26 groups have benefited from donations made possible by the Devizes Lions’ Walk.

The event raised a total of £9,000 and now the town's mayor, Sarah Bridewell, has handed over cheques to good causes.

Representatives of many of the 26 groups were at Devizes Bowls Club for the presentation evening, hosted by Lions Club vice-president Don Jones.

Coun Bridewell, who took part in the walk, thanked the Lions for organising the event.

Sponsorship had amounted £8,000 but more donations on the evening brought the total to £9,000, one of the best ever.

Recipients were:

Chirton and Devizes Pre-schools; 2nd and 4th Devizes Guides; 1st, 3rd, 6th Devizes and 1st Urchfont Scouts; 1st Lavington Sea Scouts; Phoenix Explorers; Nursteed Centre; HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust; The Mayor’s Appeal; Wednesday Club, Blind Club, Lions and Leos Clubs; Louise Pottinger; Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital and Victim Support. Recipients further afield were Dorothy House, Amnesty International, CLIC Sargent, Motor Neurone Disease Association and British Heart Foundation.