CARING crafters had a fundraising feat 'in the bag' after deciding to help the homeless and support their local hospice.

Generous members of the arts and crafts group at Clune Park Resource Centre raffled off three handbags and a trouser suit which raised over £500 in aid of Ardgowan Hospice and the charity Starter Packs Inverclyde.

Betty Stewart, a volunteer with Inverclyde Community Learning and Development who runs an arts and crafts group at the Port centre, said they were keen to help two great causes.

She said: "Now and again, if somebody has anything good but it is too small for example, we will hand them into the group to see if anybody would like it.

"One of the ladies handed in two Radley bags and a brand new trouser suit.

"I thought they were too good and that we could make some money from them for charity.

"I had a Lulu Guinness bag so I thought I would add that too and we could raffle them off."

Thanks to the support from the arts and craft group members plus everyone at Clune Park Resource Centre and the wider community, the group have donated £300 to Ardgowan and have bought £200 worth of essential items for Starter Packs.

Betty said: "I must admit, it felt really good because we have done good with that money."

Elaine McNeill from the fundraising department at Ardgowan Hospice was delighted to accept the donation.

She said: "It's a really novel way of fundraising.

"We're always so grateful when groups get involved and do things like this.

"If any other groups would like to do anything like this or they would like us to come and visit them we'd be more than happy to do that."

Anne McKinney, who is a committee member at Starter Packs Inverclyde, said they are so thankful for the essential items the group has donated.

They will support homeless people moving into their first tenancy.

She said: "We are so grateful to Clune Park not just for their donation but for actively spending the money on items we need,like duvets and sheets.

"We're so thankful."