Brightlingsea’s annual Christmas Tree Festival and the Brightlingsea & District Rotary Club have raised a total of £17,000 for local organisations.

The weekend festival raised £10,000, which will be divided equally between St James’ church and the Friends of All Saints.

And the Rotary Club’s Santa Sleigh runs in the weeks before Christmas collected £7,000 for local charities and good causes, with the help of collecting partners including 4 Youth, Brightlingsea In Bloom, St Helena Hospice Bsea Support Group, Porridge & Pens, Brightlingsea Lido and the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea.

•Local charities, good cause or individuals with a special need can apply to the Rotary Club for support. Contact secretary Fiona Brown on [email protected].