THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for a Pontypool-based charity thanks to the fundraising efforts of a Newport chip shop.

After being approached by charity Sight Cymru, John and Kate Alonzi, of Alonzi, Caerleon Road, took up the invitation to have a collection box in their shop.

The Pontypool charity couldn't have imagined the size of the catch they were going to reel in when Alonzi's customers raised a whopping £4,000.

Kate Alonzi's brother, John Beavan, of Blaenavon, suffers from sight problems and works as a 'volunteer befriender' for the charity, helping people who have limited sight by encouraging them to interact in their communities and making them aware of the help available.

John Alonzi, who has been working at the family business for the past 42 years, said: "We're aware of the good work Sight Cymru does and we wanted to give something back for the support they have offered John."

Sight Cymru’s resource centre manager, Rebecca Harris, added: "Fundraisers such as John and Kate make our work possible.

"Sight Cymru need in excess of £150,000 a year to provide services throughout Wales via fundraising and events."

Sight Cymru have social groups in Newport, Torfaen, Monmouth, Caldicot, Risca, Blackwood and the Vale of Glamorgan and are looking for new members.

For more information, visit sightcymru.org.uk