A SMALL volunteer -run charity in West Craven has proved it can punch above its weight by raising a record £10,000 in 2023.

The Robert Windle Foundation, based at The Old Grammar School, School Lane, in Earby, raised the amount, which was twice that raised in 2022, at its cafe and by selling donated items.

It meant it was able to give more just before Christmas to ten schools across the area and also to ten voluntary groups, including sports teams, bands, and gardening groups.

Rachael Taylor, treasurer of the Robert Windle Foundation, said the charity was run by 20 volunteers, all of who carried out the work without pay and in their own time.

"Everything we sell has been donated by the community and it all goes into the charity and for the upkeep of the old grammar school.

"We sell things cheaper than at normal charity shops and to have raised so much in these times has been really good," she said.

The cafe and shop is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and people can also buy items on the charity's Facebook Page.

Rachael added if there were more volunteers, the cafe and shop could open more frequently, and more money could be raised for schools and good causes.

The charity accepts all items to sell in the shop and even larger items of furniture, which it will sell on it Facebook Page.

The schools benefitting from the charity are: Earby Springfield Primary School, Salterforth Primary School, Kelbrook Primary School,Thornton-In-Craven Primary School, Lothersdale Primary School, Coates Lane Primary School, St Josephs Primary School, Gisburn Road Primary School, Barnoldswick Church of England Primary School, and West Craven High School.

Other organisations are: Barlick Town Football Juniors, The Pendle Stitches, Tuesday Community group in Earby, Earby Events Group, Earby Guerilla Gardens, Earby Brass Band, 7th Barnoldswick Guides, Earby Bowling Club, Barlick Barons and West Craven Warriors.

Find out more about the The Robert Windle Foundation on its Facebook Page, which includes information on applying for a grant, or drop in at the cafe at The Old Grammar School.

The Old Grammar School is owned and run by the Robert Windle Foundation, which exists to provide help with education to the youth of the ancient parish of Thornton-in-Craven, which includes Thornton, Earby, Kelbrook and Harden.