Champion fundraiser Les Emmott and his helpers have raised a staggering half-a-million pounds for charity.

All the money has been raised at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Bridge Street, Tadcaster, over the last 27 years.

Grandfather Mr Emmott, 82, from Stutton, and the shop's organising committee celebrated the £500,000 landmark by breaking open a bottle of champagne.

The sprightly pensioner, who still cycles to the charity shop most days of the week, started raising money for Yorkshire Cancer Research in 1971 by selling bric-a-brac from his butcher's shop on his day off.

He said: "I didn't sell meat on Mondays, so I decided to sell second-hand goods for charity."

Mr Emmott ran the charity shop on his own for 20 years, raising a remarkable £237,000, before handing over the reins to a committee, whose members have gone on to reach the half million milestone.

He has sold thousands of items over the years, including second-hand clothes, furniture, false teeth and a false leg.

"The false leg was wooden and came through the post. I still don't know who sent it," said Mr Emmott.

He added: "I was supposed to retire a couple of years ago, but I've got the bug and I don't like leaving a successful job. "It's a staggering amount of money for such a small shop, and a lot of credit is due to the generosity of people in Tadcaster district."

Committee chairman Ann Holmes, one of a 15-strong team of volunteers, said hitting the half-million-pound target was a phenomenal achievement, considering that most items were sold for 50p or £1.

She said: "We have some very loyal customers and hard-working staff."

Mrs Holmes added: "Mr Emmott has done a remarkable job. We can't keep up with him even at the age of 82.

"He's tried to retire several times, but he can't bring himself to call it a day."

l A pet charity is appealing for North Yorkshire animal lovers to give their support.

The Harrogate branch of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals is looking for volunteers to become group members and help raise money for Britain's largest veterinary charity.

The group raises cash to offer free treatment for sick and injured pets of needy owners.

Paul Wharton, the PDSA's co-ordinator of community activities for Yorkshire, said: "Being a member of a PDSA supporter group is great fun and it's a chance to help fund raise for sick pets and make new friends at the same time."

For more information contact Mr Wharton on (01302) 341147.

see COMMENT 'Unsung heroes'

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