Helston and District Lions Club presented the Phoenix Stroke Appeal with a cheque for £1,800 last week, after a summer of tireless fundraising.

Remarkably, most of the money was made by selling books from a stall in Porthleven for as little as 50p.

Club president, John Boase, was extremely happy with the amount raised and had special praise for the members involved. He said: “I’m very pleased with the members that took part in the raising of the money – considering they are volunteers, it’s a fantastic thing to have done.”

The appeal, which was launched in 2011, has already helped improve stroke facilities in Cornwall and has risen over half a million pounds so far.

The money was gratefully received by Phoenix Stroke Appeal chairman Rik Evans, and Mr Boase added that Mr Evans was surprised by the way the money was raised. He said: “They were extremely happy with the amount and stunned with the selling of books for 50p.”

Mr Boase and the Lions Club have now turned their attentions to helping raise money for the Mustard Seed. The Helston-based charity, which has been running for more than 20 years, which supports people with learning disabilities.