MONEY raised from a raffle at Lydney Quilters' first exhibition has been donated to the Friends of Lydney Hospital.

Around £1,000 was presented to the charity after the group held its event at the Old Vicarage on Church Road.

The exhibition showcased a wide range of needlework skills including contemporary and traditional quilting, appliqué, machine and hand embroidery, patchwork and, of course, their own creative designs.

One of the Friends, Marie Fraser Griffiths said: "This event was not a sale, just a reason to show off the many wonderful quilted items which members had made over the years. Members made a quilt especially for the raffle; they also made a large number of novelty items for the tombola – where everyone won a prize!"

Secretary of the Friends, Mary Thurston added: "We were delighted to be chosen and of course hoped for a small donation from the group. The next day I was astounded to be presented with a cheque for £1,000. So a great big thank you to Lydney Quilters for all the effort they put in to achieve such a successful show and such a generous donation."