THANKFUL charities have expressed their gratitude after a businessman raised £10k for Halton and north west-based causes.

Managing partner of Anthony’s Travel, Richard Bamber, is winding up his two year term as the chairman of the North West Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).

This comes after he raised £10,000 for Halton and north west-based charities at the CPT annual dinner dances held at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.

As well as representing the interests of the coaching industry, Richard was able to select the charities which would benefit throughout his tenure.

Richard said: "Anthony’s Travel is well known for its award winning community ethos, support for charities and good causes.

"In previous years the charities selected have been either national or international charities.

"As I am the chairman of the CPT north west region I thought it would be fitting to support charities within our region that support our passengers and our own teams.

"I have a greater insight than many into the work a lot of Halton based charities do so I am pleased I have been able to use my influence to further support some truly amazing causes."

The charities selected by Richard were the Cathie Stankevitch Foundation, Halton Haven Hospice, Macmillan, Nightstop Communities Northwest and the Stroke Society.

A member of Anthony’s Travel has been receiving support from MacMillan so Richard arranged for boxing gloves signed by Tony Bellew to be auctioned, raising a further £900 for the cause.

Richard added: "For the latest dinner dance I also wanted to support artists from the area so the amazing Alison Daily and The Voice Kids semi-finalist Will Callan, both from Runcorn, entertained the 300-strong crowd."

Chris Andrews, senior fundraising manager for Halton Haven Hospice: "Thank you so much to Richard for choosing Halton Haven as one of the beneficiary charities for his time as Chairman of CPT NW.

"We are absolutely delighted to have received an incredible donation of £1,995 from the annual ball and incredibly grateful to Richard and all who helped raise this marvellous amount of money. "The donation was hugely important in allowing us to refurbish our Inpatient Unit, creating a warm and welcoming environment for our patients and their families.

"This refurbishment, and the rest of the Hospice's activities, are massively reliant on the support of people and companies.

"Without people like Richard, we wouldn't be here today. Thank you so much."