A DAY of fundraising at Machynlleth Market last week raised more than £500 for a local mountain rescue team.

The historic market’s charity of choice for this year’s fundraiser, which takes place annually on the final Wednesday of August, was the Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team.

And after setting a target of £500, market superintendent Mike Clarke told the Cambrian News this week that a total of £512.47 was raised for the group of volunteers.

Aberdyfi SRT said the money will be a “massive help” in their efforts to equip their vehicles with lifesaving defibrillators.

Mr Clarke said this week: “We raised £512.47, which is incredible.

“It was quite busy, and the lads worked hard to achieve what we set out to.

“The people of Machynlleth and visitors put their hands in their pockets and the gifts were very well received.

“I will be sending individual letters of thanks to everyone who donated gifts and helped us raise that sort of money.

“We put everything in the raffle draw and sold all the raffle tickets. Some of the money was given to us.

“The search and rescue dog came as well, and that added to the day. The dog attracted more attention than we did.

“Aberdyfi Search and Rescue have been given the money already and I found out the final figure last night (Wednesday, 30 August).

“David (Williams, of Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team) was very appreciative.

“I would like to thank all those who came along and spent money, and also Machynlleth Town Council for their support.”

See the full story in this week’s south edition