IT WILL be a warmer Christmas for Great Oaks Hospice as they have received a £10,000 cash injection towards renovating their heating system.

The Coleford-based hospice contacted the Royal Forest of Dean Rotary Club explaining that their heating system was inadequately heating the rooms which in turn was affecting their ability to provide valuable services to the community.

The rotary club granted their wish at a cheque presentation on Sunday evening at the Forest Hills Golf Club.

Rotary Club member, Mark Yonge said: "The Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean has a special relationship with the hospice as it was a primary instigator for this first hospice in the Forest and contributed substantially to the practical efforts required to make it a reality. This substantial donation should cover the entire work to the heating system."

The club has also contributed a further £2,770 to disaster relief in the Philippines, buying three shelter boxes to house families and six water boxes to provide clean drinking water.

The club holds many fundraising events throughout the year with proceeds going to various local causes. The next fundraiser is the Forest of Dean Half Marathon on March 30 2014 at the Speech House.