FIVE charities near Hay-on-Wye will benefit from a cash boost for Christmas as part of the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation’s £150,000 giveaway.

The Donkey Sanctuary, The Hayday Cafe, St Michael’s Hospice, the local Hodgins Lymphoma Association and Gwernyfed Rugby Club were nominated by members of the public to each receive £100 as part of Make a Difference Week.

Sharon Roberts, a cashier at the building society’s local agency William Beales & Co, said: “This year we’ve been able to support more charities than ever before thanks to the Charitable Foundation’s generous donation to mark the Society’s 150th anniversary.

“I’m delighted that five worthwhile causes in our area are part of the hundreds of local charities the Society is supporting throughout the UK and I’m sure the money will be used to make a positive difference in our community.”