A SUCCESSFUL fundraising drive by kind-hearted Christians in Quinton has resulted in a Blackheath charity being awarded £13,000.

The cash windfall for Loaves 'n' Fishes will help the charity distribute free furniture, household goods and clothes to people in need.

The congregation of Quinton Methodist Church presented the all important cheque to the charity during Sunday service.

Helena Taylor, from the church, said: "Each year the church nominates a chosen charity to fundraise for as part of their outreach to the community and the wider world.

"Fundraising ranged from simple tasks such as donating pennies to the Penny Fund to larger organised events as the Annual Arts and Craft Festival held each year in May."

The annual festival is one of the biggest events in Quinton with hundreds of people flocking to the Ridgeway Avenue church over three days to see local artists' exhibits.

Mrs Taylor added: "We also held coffee mornings, concerts, jam making and selling greetings cards and scarves all contribute to the overall total raised this year.

"And all the organisations connected with the Church got involved in the fundraising, including the 40th Girls Brigade Company, the 59th Boys Brigade Company and the Church Youth Club.

Loaves 'n' Fishes was set up nine years ago in by Anna Hartland who has built the charity up into one of the most successful in the country.

Earlier this year the charity revealed there had been a 400 per cent increase in demand for free furniture, household goods and clothes in 12 months due benefit cuts.

The money from Quinton Methodist Church will help the charity prepare for Christmas which is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year.