CLUBS, charities and community groups across Wiltshire dug deep to raise thousands for the Philippines relief fund this week.

Warminster’s Rotary Club gave £1,200 from its charity fund, before undertaking a bucket collection around the town.

Acting president Roger Gowan said: “We raised £461 last weekend. Our thanks go out to the generosity of the people. Our total now has risen to £1,850.”

Street collections were taken by Westbury Rotary Club, while the Melksham branch will collect at the town’s Christmas lights switch-on this Saturday.

Trowbridge’s Catholic community held a service on Sunday at St John the Baptist Church.

Canon Liam O’Driscoll said: “We said prayers and held a collection, which raised around £3,000. The money will be going to Cafod, who are already doing work out in the Philippines.

“There were some people who attended who have family in the Philippines and it was important for the people of Trow-bridge to come together and pray for them and show support.”

Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon held a candlelit vigil along St Margaret’s Street last night, to show solidarity and demand action on climate change.

The Church of the Living God in Westbury held a service on Sunday at The Laverton, with collections raising £212.

Calne-raised Steven Edwards, a hopeful in BBC2’s MasterChef series, cooked dinner for Chippenham Wiltshire Vale Rotary Club at the Art House Cafe, Melksham, on Monday. The proceeds went into the club’s combined Philippines fund with Melksham, which has raised over £3,500.

Treasurer Stuart Gregory, said: “Steven’s dad, Andrew, is a member. It was a fantastic night.”