Braintree Lions have handed over £3,000 to charities, taking this year’s total to a staggering £20,000.

Braintree Lions president Peter Morgan nominated the Alzheimer’s Society and Basics Essex Accident Rescue Service as the group’s charities of the year.

The Alzheimer’s Society is a care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers, while BEARS provides specialist medical treatment from volunteer doctors and paramedics throughout Essex on behalf of the ambulance service.

A cheque for £1,000 was presented to Mussara Gray from the Alzheimer’s Society and a cheque for £2,000 was presented to BEARS.

The money was raised at June’s Braintree Real Ale Festival, which was run with the Campaign for Real Ale.

More than £20,000 has been raised by Braintree Lions Club and donated to good causes over the last year.

For more information visit braintreelions.org.uk.