ALWAYS fishing around for innovative ways to raise funds, Royal Forest of Dean Angling Club secretary Eileen Summers came up with the idea of a trolley dash.

She found the Co-op in Cinderford very receptive, and thanks to the efforts of club officers and friends, and in particular, Wye Angling of Ross on Wye, over 1,100 of the £1 entry tickets were sold.

"This meant that our ability to generate improved facilities for the disabled, and the running of our junior training programme was boosted by over £650," she said.

David Adams of Cinderford was thrilled to have his ticket picked out by Jackie Roberts at the Miners' Welfare Hall on the Friday prior to the event.

David was on the starting blocks promptly at 9am aiming to make the best of the opportunity. He was supported by his wife Jane, daughter Laura and his granddaughter, Jessica.

However, family man David chose wisely, under the watchful eye of Jessica, placing best joints of beef, pork and lamb in the trolley followed by several boxes of chocolates and bottles of wine.

He also indulged in his favourite cognac, and all in all, his family are set for a gourmet Christmas!

Co-op manager Steve Vaughan added a further touch of gloss to David's three-minute dash by handing him a bottle of their finest Piper Hiedsieck champagne. All in all a Christmas cracker!

David, who has lived all his life in Cinderford, now works as a shift supervisor at SPP Pumps in Coleford, where he bought the winning ticket from long serving club officer and colleague, Nick Oakley.

He is a keen trout fisherman, but he has promised to join the Royal Forest of Dean club next year to try his hand at coarse angling.

David was thrilled with his prize and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. "It was a real fun idea and the prize was terrific. The angling club and the Co-op made it a great morning for me and my family," he said.

Eileen Summers added: "We are very pleased with the outcome. In a time of economic difficulties, the Forest community continue to support our worthwhile cause."