Fund-raisers in Staffordshire and Cheshire have collected more than £280,000 for a children's charity.
The figures were released this week by officials from NCH, who said they were overwhelmed by the huge response.

Among the highest collectors were the people of the Potteries, who contributed just over £25,000 during the last year.
Deryk Mead, chief executive of the charity, said: "We thank the people of Staffordshire and Cheshire.

"Their generosity means that we can continue to support the children and young people who need it the most to reach their full potential.
"The projects that NCH run go a long way to changing lives and giving young people the opportunity to really shine."

The money has been collected from a huge variety of fund-raising events as well as collection tins. It will go toward funding NCH's work nationwide, which includes supporting young people leaving care, children with disabilities and families in crisis.

Officials say NCH adoption projects placed the largest number of children with families in the entire voluntary sector.

At the end of August the charity will be launching an appeal aimed directly at helping children who have been abused.

The charity says it will need to raise in excess of £200,000 to finance schemes specifically connected to this initiative.
Top fund-raising communities in Staffordshire include: