MONTHS of planning paid off after more than 150 residents turned out for a charity meal to raise £2,500 for YMCA Warrington.

The event, which was held at The Raj in Culcheth, took place on November 24.

Organiser Shelley Bennett said: "I was really pleased to see so many people at the fundraiser, which took months of planning.

"To raise so much money in one evening is fantastic and makes it all worthwhile.

"The support for YMCA Warrington has grown this year, thanks to the small army of volunteers who give up their spare time to help and raise funds in order to keep it open. My personal thanks goes out to them.

"As well as numerous businesses that supported us, I would also like to thank individuals who personally donated money or gave prizes for the raffle.

"Also, a big thank you to our main speaker Carl Owen, who gave his account of his experience when having to use the services of the YMCA."

YMCA centre manager Susan Blyth thanked Shelley and the others involved for their support.