CARING staff from Siemens in Congleton have donated more than £1,800 to local and national charities.

The money has come from the employees' Care and Share Team initiative, in which staff donate £1 of their wages each month.

The staff total is matched by the management, with half the average monthly figure of £400 going to charities agreed on by the employees.

The other half is given to groups who write to CAST seeking help and support.

Money raised by CAST in January and February raised enough for donations of £200, £300 and £500 to cystic fibrosis research, Congleton in Bloom and Marie Curie Cancer Care respectively.

The Guide Association is to receive a £100 portable television as a raffle prize, and £100 is to go to Gawsworth primary school for a raffle prize.

The MAST appeal is to receive £75, and £40 is to go to Dane Valley Beavers towards the costs of a trip.

In addition CAST secretary Margaret Mugglestone and committee member Elaine Davies presented a £600 cheque to Cpt David Woodman from the Salvation Army.

The money was raised by a raffle of gifts given to the company at Christmas by its suppliers.

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