Lovers of Malvern spring water have raised a record amount of money to help thousands of people in India enjoy clean water.

The Penny a Pint scheme was dreamt up by Colwall's Kevin Walton four years ago as a way of getting people who collect water from the hillside springs to raise funds for charity.

Everyone who takes part puts a penny aside for every pint they collect and sends a cheque for the full amount to WaterAid every March.

The scheme has generated more than £3,000 since its launch, including the £960 raised this year. Most of the money has gone to help a group of villages in Tamil Nadu, South India. Fourteen wells have been dug in villages and five in schools, giving around 5,000 people access to clean water.

Education programmes have taught the importance of hygiene and individual families have been given the resources to build latrines, drastically reducing water-related disease.

WaterAid fundraiser Ryna Sherazi described the scheme as "a fantastic way to raise funds and also awareness of WaterAid's issues".

Mr Walton said he wants more people to sign up to the scheme and to see similar projects in other towns where people collect spring water.

He said part of the appeal of the scheme is that people count the pennies at the end of the 12-month period and realise how much water they have drunk.

However, Mr Walton said people who say they would take part in the scheme and then failed to do so were a drain on resources, as money had to be spent chasing them up.

Anyone wanting to take part in the scheme should contact him at Fossil Bluff, Upper Colwall, Malvern WR13 6PR, or on on 01684 540596.