AS part of his business course at York College, my 17-year-old son was asked by his Events Management Tutor to organise a charity tombola.

He is quite shy so I went with him for back-up.

We have been astonished at the generosity of the small business owners of York. It has been heartening in these tough times.

You know who you are, and I just wanted to put on record what a great bunch of people you are.

In these days of supermarkets and big chains, it is so good to see there is still room on the high street for you guys.

Thanks again for your donations and Alex will be in touch once the tombola has taken place at York College, to let you know how much money you helped raise for Help for Heroes.

Diane Foster, Market Weighton.