TO mark the centenary of Lions Clubs International Hereford Lions Club on September 22 at a reception in the town hall presented £1,000 cheques to each of 10 local charities.

The celebration was hosted by the Mayor, Cllr Sharon Michael and the guest of honour, Lady Darnley, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire handed out the cheques on behalf of the city Lions Club founded in 1960 as part of a worldwide volunteer organisation which today has 46,000 clubs in 200 countries supporting their communities.

Lady Darnley praised the work of the charities and urged more people to become volunteers to help those in the community in need of support as many public services they rely on are cut as a result of the financial crisis facing local authorities.

The 10 charities chosen for the donations were: Aspire, which runs the Canal Road day centre; Barrs Court School for children with special needs; The Blood Bikes, volunteers who deliver life saving blood supplies to hospitals, to help fund a motor bike for Hereford; Breast Cancer Haven supporting women living with breast cancer; Dial a Ride, a valued community transport service; Megan Baker House, a great help for children with cerebral palsy; MS Therapy Centre, treating those with MS; Parkinson's Hereford branch, a vital service for those with the disease; Widemarsh Ventures, a workshop for vulnerable adults to learn skills; Young Carers Support, supporting youngsters caring for a disabled family member.

Club president, Ian Foster said: "Our club wanted to make a positive contribution to the community we are proud to serve to remind everyone of the vision of one man, Melvin Jones, a Chicago insurance salesman who a century ago urged fellow citizens to become community volunteers. The organisation he founded has grown into a mighty global army of men and women volunteers."