FAMILIES in need are set to benefit from much-needed respite after an international Christian membership charity raised £33,000 for a new holiday caravan.

Blackburn Diocese Mothers' Union made the announcement at its 90th anniversary celebration held at Blackburn Cathedral.

The event was attended by 700 people and overseen by the Rt Rev Julian Henderson, Bishop of Blackburn.

At the start of the year each of the Diocese's 128 Mothers' Union branches was given £9, the equivalent of 90 10 pence pieces, and set the task of turning it into as much money as possible.

Some of the fundraising efforts included giving members of their congregation packets of Smarties and asking them to fill them up with 20p coins, strawberry teas and Lenten lunches.

Enid Nutland, diocesan president, said: "We have managed to raise a fantastic amount of money. When I first started talking to people about how much we have raised I broke down in tears.

"For some reason in the Blackburn Diocese they absolutely love the idea of the caravan. If you mention your going to raise money for it or to buy a new caravan people go the extra mile.

"It has been used by 20 families so far this year. They are families who are either in need of a holiday but cannot afford one or families who need respite.

"I would like to thank the branches for all their hard work and thought they have put into the fundraising."

The money will be used to buy and maintain a new caravan, which will be located on the North West coast.

Mrs Nutland said the union, which has branches in Blackburn, Burnley, Pendle, the Ribble Valley, Rossendale and Darwen, is always looking for new members.

Founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner, the Mothers’ Union now has more than four million members in 83 countries,

Mrs Nutland said anyone wanting to join should visit their local Mothers’ Union-affiliated church.