Grand Henham Steam Rally raises £44,000 for six charities inSouthwold, Halesworth and Beccles

Charities have received bumper donations totalling £44,000 following a successful Southwold steam rally in September.

The Grand Henham Steam Rally, held at Henham Park, saw steam engines and vintage vehicles descend on the green.

Volunteers from Blyth Valley Rotary, Wangford Community Council and the Parochial Church Councils of Sotherton, Uggeshall and Wangford-cum-Henham run the event, and they were rewarded for their hard work with a donation of £33,000 between the three organisations.

Last year’s rally also provided support for the Pear Tree Fund, in Halesworth, Sole Bay Care Fund and Beccles Army Cadets, with donations totalling over £11,000 presented to the three charities.

Helen Walker, chairperson of the rally committee, said: “Our 47th rally was another successful event and we were pleased to see so many visitors and exhibitors enjoying their weekend.

“From its earliest days, the rally’s main aim has been to raise money to support local good causes. We are delighted to still be able to do this.”

Last month, rally organisers met representatives of the six supported charities to hear about how their work.

The rally committee is already planning this year’s event, on September 21 and 22 at Henham Park.