HANDIWORK group, Kelty and District Loving Hands, recently held a cake and coffee afternoon at Kelty Community Centre and raised funds for a number of local charities and worthwhile causes.

And their efforts saw more than £700 realised.

It wasn't just cake and coffee on offer neither. There was a number of handicraft items for sale, a couple of raffles with a whole host of prizes and a new-to-you stall.

The event was very well attended and attracted hundreds of people from Kelty and beyond. At the end of the afternoon the group raised £543.75 for Macmillan Cancer Support; £157.50 for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance, plus £28 was raised for Simpson's Memory Box Appeal.

They also ensured nothing went to waste as some of the left over bought boxed cakes were taken to the Broke not Broken Food Bank and leftover items from the new-to-you stall were donated to The Kelty Kirk Charity Shop.

Kelty and District Loving Hands group have been going from strength to strength since they formed in August 2007 and now have 22 passionate members.

Kate Reeve, group co-ordinator said: "It was set up for people who enjoy knitting, crocheting and sewing and are looking for a worthwhile outlet for their handiwork."

She continued: "Last Monday was a brilliant example of how everyone in the group responds to whatever I ask of them.

"All the raffle prizes, refreshments & bric-a-bric appeared from car boots from noon onwards and everyone mucked in to get everything ready for 1pm.

"It was wonderful that we raised so much money but the 'icing on the cake' was in being able to pass on what was left from the new-to-you table, handicraft stall and refreshment tables to three other local charities."

Councillor Darren Watt spent the afternoon with the group and said: "I was truly inspired by these wonderful, talented ladies.

"They clearly all get on so well and have a common bond beyond their handiwork. Their selfless, can-do attitude benefits so many local organisations and charities and I was so proud of each and every one of them for their hard-work, enthusiasm and dedication throughout the afternoon.

"I was especially proud to hear their efforts meant a lot of money was raised for a variety of worthwhile causes. These ladies have my on-going support and I'm certainly looking forward to working with this group in future."

The group currently meet every Monday in The Community Centre, Main Street, Kelty from 1pm to 3pm.