THE hugely successful Bent and Bongs Beer Bash in Leigh raised more than £20,000 for charity.

And the first major slice of January's beer festival proceeds was handed over this week when David Woodrow, of Francis House Children's Hospice, accepted a £5,000 donation from Atherton and Tyldesley Round Table chairman Martin Clementson.

At a presentation in The Hulton Arms in Over Hulton, Round Table member Paul Barber thanked everyone who made a donation every time they ordered a pint at the festival, which was held in Formby Hall. Atherton Scouts and Guides are also major beneficiaries from this year's event, which was organised by the Round Table in conjunction with the local branch of CAMRA.