A HOST of small community groups are to get an early Christmas present next week.

The five women that make up the Tantobie Fundraisers, based in Tantobie, near Stanley, are to present cheques to 18 local organisations, including two churches and two chapels.

The money will be distributed in a special ceremony on Saturday, November 23, at 7.30pm, in the Masonic Hall, Stanley.

The group is made up of local councillor Betty Minto, hairdresser Joyce Charlton, the village postmistress, Phyllis Corner, carer Hazel Guy and grandmother Sill Lauder, and has been raising funds for six years.

This year their efforts bankrolled the village's entire Jubilee Carnival, attended by more than 2,000 people.

Tickets for the presentation evening are £5, including supper and free transport. For details, call (01207) 299756.