The Christmas spirit was alive and well in Craven, according to local Rotarians.

Two Craven clubs – Skipton Craven and Settle – have, between them, raised more than £10,000 for good causes in the run-up to the festive season.

Despite the recession and gloomy weather, Settle Rotary Club’s Father Christmas collection raised £4,327.

President Derek Coultherd thanked the people of North Craven for their support.

Skipton Craven Rotarians have also been astounded by local generosity after nearly £6,500 was donated to Rotary charities through collections with the Santa Sleigh, in the supermarkets and at the Grassington Dickensian festivals.

“Yet again the generosity of Craven folk came to the fore,” said president Colin Hargreaves. “Our Rotarians would like to say a heartfelt thank-you for the support we received on the doorstep and in the supermarkets. We have been amazed at the response.”