McCARTNEYS based in Hay-on-Wye has helped raise nearly £7000 for mental health charity Mind.

Having initially raised £5517, the partners of the business decided to round up that figure up to £6000; meaning the four local Mind's where McCartneys' are located; including Herefordshire Mind and Brecon and District Mind will each receive a cheque for £1500.

David Harding from Herefordshire Mind said: "We can't thank McCartneys and everyone who helped them along the way enough. At a local level, we will be using the money to further our outreach programme, demand for which has grown considerably over the last 12 months. Without donations like this we simply couldn't run these drop-in sessions."

Zoe Porter from Brecon and District Mind said: "We will be using the money to further our Community Wellbeing Service."

And there's more good news on the fundraising front. The company also set up a Just Giving page in aid of the charity and this raised a further £834 which will go direct to Mind at a national level.

With 16 branches across four counties McCartneys staff have taken part in all manner of challenges and fun activities from a fancy-dress day to a 35-mile cycle ride and seven mile walk organised by Rob Fearnley from McCartneys. Customers and clients have joined in too, from donations at property branches to special livestock auctions.

Rob Fearnley from McCartneys in Hay-on-Wye said: "Mind is a charity that the whole company really wanted to get behind. We've had tremendous support from local businesses and our customers who have helped us achieve this figure. We know when it comes to mental health, living in a rural county like ours can bring its challenges, so we're delighted that the charity will be using the money for their outreach programme.

If you or someone you know is affected by mental health concerns then please go to the Brecon and District Mind website breconmind.org.uk or call 01874 611529.