TWO local groups have donated almost £2,000 to Hearts of the Forest Community Special School.

Both Westbury-on-Severn Young Farmers and Blaisdon, Flaxley and Popes Hill Carol Singers supported the school based near Speech House.

Some £1,239.14 was raised by the carol singers to help the school purchase new Christmas decorations and disco equipment.

Westbury Young Farmers split £1,000 between the school and Leanne’s Gift, which was set up by the family and friends of the late Lydbrook teen Leanne Davies who died in 2013.

George Beddis, of Westbury Young Farmers, said: “Both causes do a fantastic job in the community. Leanne’s family gave a talk before accepting a cheque we presented to them at the Red Hart, Blaisdon.”

Paul Lisseman, of the carol singers, added: “Roger Keyse who organises the group wanted to support a local charity and chose Hearts of the Forest. Last year our donation helped them buy a swing and this year we hope they can buy new Christmas decorations and disco equipment.”