THE Charity Christmas card shop held at the ARCOS premises in the run up to Christmas took over £21,600 which equals and slightly passes the total taken the previous year.

There were 24 charities taking part, both national and local, and among those that topped over £1,000 were Macmillan Cancer, Save the Children, RNLI, Acorns Children's Hospice and locally MHHYAT and St Michael's Hospice. The association member charities will receive 99 per cent of their total.

Many thanks to all our volunteer helpers and to my assistant Tom Clapton, who so willingly give of their time. Also thanks must go to the management and staff of ARCOS for their help and giving up valuable space for our use. We do hope that we can return there again this year.

JOHN F ROWE (manager Malvern shop/chairman, Midland Charities Association), Finchers Corner, Cradley.