SLIMMING World members from across the Vale joined forces on the weekend to enjoy a Christmas party and raise money for a fantastic local cause.

During the party, held at Barry Island Conservative Club on Saturday (December 15), Vale Slimming World consultants presented a cheque for £542.29 to the JAM Fund.

Local businesses such as Office Depot, SET Office Supplies, Cardiff & Vale College and Carol Goode Designer Florist donated prizes including a digital camera, a £200 golf day and a £50 bouquet, and members dug deep for the chance to win! Members partied the night away to live music, and enjoyed a hog roast, potatoes, pasta and salads - all free food with Slimming World!

After receiving the donation Paul Adamson, who set up the JAM Fund in memory of his son Jamie who died of leukaemia at the age of five in 2004, said: "We are delighted and very grateful for the huge amount they have raised.

"£542 is going to be put to good use by the charity helping children in South Wales and across the country.

"It will also help towards the annual upkeep of the charity caravan in West Wales, which offers breaks for affected children and their families, and will help with other projects as well."

Paul, who recently completed the Cardiff Half Marathon with a team of runners to raise money for the JAM Fund, added: "We have helped children with gifts, holidays and medical treatment.

"We have also helped send three children to America in the last 18 months for treatment to help them walk.

"I would like to say a big thank you from the JAM Fund and wish everyone that has supported us in the past, present and future a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and thank you for all of your support."

Slimming World groups:

* Sarah Pryor runs a group in Hebron Hall, Dinas Powys, Thursday at 5:30pm and 7:30pm

* Annamarie Vincent runs groups in St Francis Millennium Centre on Wednesdays, at 4:45pm and 6:45pm and Highlight Park Community Centre on Thursdays at 5:30pm

* Steve 'Wiggy' Wiggins is starting a NEW group in the Cwm Talwg pub on Mondays at 7:30pm

* Niki Evans runs two groups, in St Helens in Barry on Thursday mornings at 10:15am and the Old School in Sully on Tuesdays at 6:30pm

* Lorraine Francis runs a group on a Monday night in the Tadross Hotel at 4:30pm and 6:30pm

* Teresa Stewart is relaunching a group on a Tuesday night at 7:30pm in Barry RFC

* Nia Boulton runs a group in Elfed Avenue United Church Penarth Mondays 5:30pm and 7:30pm

* Joanne Evans runs groups in Trinity Street Presbyterian Church on Tuesday at 5:30pm and Cadoxton Methodist Church on Wednesday at 6pm.