A MALMESBURY charity was given a cash boost for its Christmas lunch after a firework fundraiser was foiled by foul weather.

HEALS of Malmesbury ran a community festive dinner for 90 people at the town hall on Friday. It was feared this would not go ahead after Malmesbury's Bonfire Committee were not able to raise enough money as rain led to to a poor turnout at this year's display.

However, several local businesses, Hyams Autos, McGills Chartered Accountants Malmesbury and Warden and Freemen of Malmesbury, stepped in to save the day by donating hundreds of pounds to fill the holes.

HEALS of Malmesbury chair Gavin Grant said: ""Without these very generous donations, we faced disappointing elderly residents and local families. We know they really look forward to our events as their Christmas treats.

“Fortunately local businesses and individuals stepped in to plug the gap. We are very grateful to them."