The depth of need in Monmouth and the surrounding areas, across a wide range of provision, can never be under estimated. 16 charities attended an event organised by Monmouth Rotary Club and were invited to give a five minute presentation on their work and how they thought the club could help them.

At the end of the evening, the groups were surprised by the presentation of a cheque for £100 to each of them.

Rotary is very conscious that much of the money it raises from events is generated locally and is looking at providing more support to groups serving local need.

Of the 16 groups present, many were not known to Rotary before the evening, which was the reason for organising it.

The work being undertaken is inspiring and the audience could not help being moved by some of the stories of need and the help given, in many cases by unpaid volunteers.

The following groups gave presentations: Monmouth Off Street Project, Bobath Children's Therapy Centre Wales, R3 Cymru, The Haven Breast Cancer Research Centre, Wyesham Play Centre, Women's Aid Monmouthshire Ltd, Monmouth Breast Cancer Support Group, Homestart, Scouts, Citizens Advice Bureau, St Mary's Priory Church, Attik, Macmillan Cancer Support, Welsh Air Ambulance, Overmonnow Special Needs and Bridges Community Centre.

All the groups would benefit from financial support but in many cases it was Rotary's expertise in running events and other business areas that was even more important to them.

President Martin Seymour said: "It has been a truly inspiring evening and we will now be assessing all the presentations.

"Rotary is looking forward to working with many of the groups in the future to assist their valuable contribution to helping local need."

Members of the Rotary club are pictured with staff and children at the Overmonnow Special Needs Unit. Rotary's donation has been used to buy selection of games for the youngsters.