A NORTH-EAST charity has benefited from coins and notes handed in by holidaymakers after their visits abroad.

The former Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Mary Carr, set up the scheme last year, urging people to donate old coins and notes before the Euro was introduced.

She raised more than £1,170, half of which will go to Heads North, the epilepsy charity based in the city's Royal Victoria Infirmary. The other half of the cash will go to the Alzheimer's Society.

The project brings Coun Carr's total to more than £17,000 raised for the two charities.

She said: "I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave so freely to raise so much money.

"We now have a further two cheques for my nominated charities.

"I try to raise awareness of epilepsy, which affects one in every 200 people. I also have great sympathy for anyone suffering from Alzheimer's, because it not only affects the disoriented sufferer, but also their families, who often have difficulty coping with this cruel and bewildering disease."

The fundraising will continue this summer, when a signed England football shirt will be auctioned by Sotheby's. The proceeds will go to Coun Carr's charities.