A GROUP of Newport pensioners have given up their days out to help support our Sparkle Appeal.

Residents from Stratford House sheltered accommodation in the Gaer, donated £50 from their social events fund to help children in Newport Torfaen and south Monmouthshire.

The money came from the fund which the pensioners use for day trips, fish and chip suppers, barbecues and other events they organise. Gladys Stone, 73, saw the Sparkle Appeal in the Argus and decided to donate any money they had.

She said: "We have enjoyed ourselves with money we raised for the social events fund so we thought let's share that and help some of the children.

"We will continue to support the Sparkle Appeal whenever we are able and have money that we can donate from our social fund."

Tina White, project development manager, said: "This donation shows that everybody can help and everybody wants to help in whatever way they can."

l If you want to start fundraising special fundraising packs are available from the Sparkle Appeal Office, South Gwent Children's Foundation, Block 10 Friars Field, Newport, NP20 2UB or by telephoning 01633 215318. Donations can be made by cheque made payable to the South Gwent Children's Foundation sent to the above address, and marked Sparkle Appeal on the back.

Cash donations can be made in person at the fundraising office at the former Ingram Ward, St Woolos Hospital, Newport, or at branches of Barclays.

If you are arranging any Sparkle Appeal fundraising events, please tell us about it by telephoning Helen Roberts on 01633 777231.