A GROUP of firefighters have donated £6,000 to charities in North Yorkshire.

Northallerton Fire Station Sports and Social Club raised the money through a variety of events, including summer barbecues, children's parties and community social functions.

The money was divided between Chopsticks, Northallerton and Dales Mencap Society, Help the Aged, the Friarage Hospital Children's Unit Trust Fund and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Each charity was presented with a cheque for £1,200 at Northallerton fire station.

Firefighter John Carson said: "We are very pleased to present these local charities with this money. We always look to support worthwhile causes, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

"I would like to thank all my colleagues at Northallerton fire station, who have raised this money over the years and our best wishes go to the charities for the future."

Anne Baker, of Northallerton and Dales Mencap Society, said: "I would like to thank Northallerton fire station staff for their hard work and generosity in raising this money for us.

"The money will go to fund a number of local projects, which will be extremely beneficial to our students."