MEGAN Baker House is to benefit from £8000 raised by the annual skittle marathon of the Gordon McLeod Leukaemia Fund.

The skittle alley at the Richmond Club in Hereford was ringing with the cheers of competitors and the clatter of pins until well after midnight recently.

The alley saw 16 teams competing, including the Pyoneers team from Wellington Sports Club who played for eight hours against all-comers.

Gordon McLeod said: "I am once again astonished by the help and support we have received from the county for this event, now in its 24th year, and would like to express my deepest thanks to everyone who took part and who donated to the proceeds."

The outstanding individual fund-raiser was Keith Byard, of Canon Pyon, who collected £1,100 for Slim's team.

Megan Baker House relies solely on donations and each week helps more than 200 children affected by disorders such as cerebral palsy, brain injury and dyspraxia through conductive education.

The Gordon McLeod Leukaemia Fund has previously raised money for other good causes, including Hereford County Hospital and St Michael's Hospice.

The full results were: Highest ladies team score - Vinkies 178; Highest men's team - Harry's Lads 208; Highest ladies individual score - Judy Morgan, Alleycats, 28; Highest men's individual score - Gregg Jenkins, Busbars, 29; Highest Pyoneer score - Ben Bayliss, 29; Highest individual donations trophy - Keith Byard, Slim's team, £1,100; Challenger Shield, Highest team donation - Busbars, £1,482; and Pyoneer Bowl - Busbars.