AUGUST 6: SWINDON Cares, the charity fundraising bonanza, has smashed all expectations, raising more than £14,000 for the town's needy.

So far, £14,066 has been collected from individuals, companies, schools and community groups across Swindon.

The cash, which was raised from a host of events held between July 12 and 19, is still flooding in and will eventually find its way to the three nominated charities Age Concern Swindon, NSPCC Swindon and Macmillan Cancer relief's Swindon Cancer Appeal, which is backed by the Evening Advertiser.

The initiative was supported by some of the town's biggest employers, including Zurich, GWR Community Trust, The Rotary Club of Swindon, Swindon Council, and Swindon Chamber.

The week proved so popular that organisers are already planning a re-run next year.

Pam West, community affairs manager for Zurich, said: "We are really pleased with the way it went. We raised lots of money for charity and had a good laugh at the same time.

"Next year we plan to make GWR Community Trust one of the charities. This will allow the money to reach some of the smaller charities in the area."

Organisers hope to have collected all the funds by the beginning of September.