A GROUP that has been working hard all year to raise funds for major charities proudly handed over thousands of pounds at the weekend.

Each year Millom Bike Group raises money for chosen charities by holding a number of popular events, including its spectacular summer show.

This year, the group excelled itself as it smashed last year's total of £2,500 by handing over a whopping £4,000.

Group treasurer Abb Chambers said: "We're really pleased with how much we've managed to raise.

"It's much more than last year so we're really pleased.

"The money mainly comes from the annual show, and also other events throughout the year, but this year's show was great."

The annual show is a highlight in Millom's calendar and pulls in hundreds of visitors from across the country to take a look at some of the most exquisite vintage cars and bikes around.

As the September sun shone down on Millom, crowds gathered to enjoy the rich range of fun and games and raise money for some truly worthy causes.

<strong> Read more about the show here. </strong>

Each year the lion's share of the money is divided between the two air ambulance services: The Great North Air Ambulance Service and the North West Air Ambulance Service.

This year the GNAAS received a total of £1,000 while the North West Air Ambulance received £950.

Donations were also given to both services from the Furness British Motorcycle Club, and also TT rider Les Trotter donated £1,000 to the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

A further £100 was donated to Millom Town Clock and an additional £100 went to Millom Parents and Carers Disability Group.

Mr Chambers said: "These charities are not subsidised by the government and they need as much as they can get.

"What people raise might not be much but if all the clubs like ours help they will be able to keep flying."

This year's donation to the Millom Parents and Carers Disability Group was particularly poignant as the money was raised in memory of a much-loved bike group member, Lisa Penrith, who died in August.

Mr Chambers said: "The club chose the disability group because one of our members Lisa Penrith passed away suddenly so we thought it would be a nice way to commemorate her.

"She was very active in that group, as well as the bike club."

The donation to the group will now become a regular thing, in addition to both air ambulances, which Mr Chambers believes are vital to support.

He said: "Over the past 12 years we've raised a total of £26,000 for the two of them.

"Three of our members have had call to use these ambulances over the years and one of them was involved in a really nasty smash and the ambulance saved his life."