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One thousand pounds has been split between Caerphilly Miners’ Centre and the Alzheimer’s Society, thanks to the fundraising efforts of Phoenix Ladies’ club.

Founded more than 50 years ago, originally by a group of business owners, Phoenix Ladies’ main aim is to raise funds for charitable causes.

The 59-member group meets once a month at the Twyn Community Centre in Caerphilly, and hosts regular fundraising activities and social events, including trips.

The £1,000 is being split equally between the two charities, meaning they both receive £500 each.

Barbara Donovan, joint president of Phoenix Ladies’, said: “We always have one local charity and one national charity and the members vote for it, they decide what we want.

“This year, we sent a form around asking the members what they wanted as their charity. Last year it was The Parish Trust and Cancer Research. The members put down who they want and we take a vote on it.”

She continued: “We did a coach trip recently to Cirencester where all the members came along. We also ask the members once a month to bring a food donation for The Parish Trust.”

Rita Chapman, who is also joint president, said: “Any spare change our members have every month goes in the charity tin, so that all adds up to what we raise for charity every year.

“We raised £1,000 last year towards the two charities, and we’ve raised £1,000 again this year, but a lot of it is thanks to the businesses that have contributed to our raffle prizes.”

Ms Donovan added: “One thing I would like to mention is the companies in Caerphilly, they’re excellent.

“For our fundraiser last year we went round all the shops and restaurants in Caerphilly, and nearly everybody gave us a donation, a voucher, or a present.”