ROMSEY residents have raised hundreds of pounds in support of people in need.

The Pioneers and Explorers, the youth of Abbey United Reformed Church (URC), raised £1,930 for Mercy Ships.

The charity provides medical relief and free surgeries to adults and children in least developed countries.

Carole Cox, youth worker at the URC, said: “We could not have done this without the congregation’s support – they are amazing.”

The cheque was collected by Matthew Parker on behalf of Mercy Ships. He thanked the children from the Pioneers and Explorers, as well as all the congregation of Abbey United Reformed Church.

He

said: “These surgeries make a real difference to the lives of people who are a lot less fortunate than ourselves and my breath was taken away when the final total raised was revealed at the service last Sunday. Thank you all and bless you.”