A VERY successful year of fund raising resulted in £7,000 being sent for arthritis research, members of the Pershore branch of the Arthritis Research Campaign were told at their annual meeting.

A special tribute was paid to John Curtis and his team who presented a cheque for £1,500 from the Three Peaks Challenge in June, well beyond original expectations.

Officers and committee re-elected at the meeting included president, Tony Fowler; chairman, Marion Mayrick; secretary. Brenda Curtis' treasurer, Helen Fowler; and committee members Ann Holland, Mary Marshall and Sheila Grantham.

Beryl Horton, who retired from the Campaign committee this year, was thanked for her many years of service since being a founder-member of the branch.

Anyone interested in joining the Campaign committee is asked to ring the chairman on 01386 553664.

Area appeals manager Nick Barker attended the meeting and wished the branch every success as it plans its 24th year.