CAMPAIGNERS have proved that a friend in need is a friend indeed with an impressive array of charitable fundraisers.

The Friends of Pendleside volunteers have collected more than £33,500 over the past 12 months alone for the Reedley hospice.

And the tireless crusaders, who now number nearly 120, recently held a gala event at Bertram’s Restaurant, at Crow Wood leisure centre, to keep up their proud record.

Supported by Lomeshaye-based Hillendale Land Rover, they enjoyed wine and tapas as a thank-you from hospice bosses for their year-round activities, which can range from supermarket bag-packing to manning charity stalls and selling raffle tickets.

Kaye Bartle, hospice fundraising manager, said: “It was great to get together and thank in person these lovely people that give up their time so readily to help the hospice.

“Our fundraising in the community is important to us in raising much-needed funds and awareness of the services provided by Pendleside.

“Without being able to call upon our Friends of Pendleside to help us at community events we simply wouldn’t be able to attend as many.”