ON BEHALF of Minster Lions Club of York, I would like to sincerely thank the citizens of York, together with the thousands of visitors from far and wide across the world, who gave so generously to our appeal at Christmas.

The weather conditions were particularly dire at times, and together with the difficult economic climate, life has been tough, but you have surpassed yourselves with your wonderful donations.

The figure raised this year was £6,531, which is fantastic and is only a little under our record achieved last year.

This sum will go towards aiding local, national and international Lions charity causes during 2013.

I would also like to thank York Van Centre, who very kindly supported us again by providing a towing vehicle for the period.

Thanks must also be given to Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Monks Cross Shopping Centre, Tesco at Clifton Moor and City of York Council for supporting us and allowing us to collect.

Thank you all again and we look forward to meeting you at one of our events in 2013 and wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Robert James, Rocking Rudolph co-ordinator, Roundhill Link, Clifton Moor, York.