WOMEN'S Institute members willingly handed over sackfuls of jewels to help to keep a heart research charity ticking.
The haul of gems was donated by member clubs, which make up the Durham County Federation of Women's Institutes, at their spring council meeting.
WI members were urged to make donations at the federation's autumn council meeting, and each constituent club has made its own collection during the winter, which were shown at the spring council gathering.
Grateful representatives of Heart Research, the National Heart Research Fund, collected 11 gem-filled sacks, to add to the charity's Treasure Chest Appeal.
The Heart Research Treasure Chest Appeal aims to encourage people to give any of their unwanted or broken jewellery, as well as watches, odd pieces and costume jewellery.
The jewellery is then auctioned, with proceeds used to fund research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, which remains the North-East's leading killer.
For details about the Treasure Chest Appeal call Helen, on 0113-234 7474.
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