A CASH boost of £650 will go towards the provision of emergency nurses in Cleobury Mortimer.

The Nightingale Nursing Fund, a free crisis service created by the district nursing team, raised the sum from its Christmas fair and house-to-house carol singing in the village.

The money collected has been added to the £8,000 kitty, which will help cover the costs of emergency respite and medical care for people who cannot get help from other agencies.

It will be used to pay carers and nurses to visit seriously ill patients and look after them during periods of crisis.

District nursing sister Pam Saunder, who began raising funds to cover the costs of the service last year, said: "It's doing very well.

" It certainly makes a lot of difference to the community, because it helps those who are in need and provides respite for carers."

For details of the service, call Sister Saunder on 01299 271356.