A HIGH sheriff's year of fundraising has raised £8,000 for a Salisbury charity.

When appointed as high sheriff of Wiltshire in May, Nicky Alberry pledged she would raise awareness of domestic violence and support groups across Wiltshire, including Salisbury Women's Refuge, who she presented with £8,000 earlier this month.

The money was raised through a mixture of events, including a party at STEAM in Swindon and a fundraising dinner at Bowood House.

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Mrs Alberry said it was "lovely" to present the money to the refuge in time for Christmas, adding: “I wanted to raise the issue of domestic abuse and domestic violence wherever I can, especially the impact it has on people and their families, particularly women and their families because it is still predominantly a female problem.

"It was fantastic that so many people came to support the events and I thank them all."

Manager of the refuge, Sandra Horner, said the money will be used to brighten up some of the rooms in the shelter, adding: “The furniture is okay, but the paintwork and carpets could do with freshening up. We want them to feel as bright and as homely as possible for the families we have here.

“The money will help us to do that and we are really grateful, it will make a real difference.”

The work on the rooms will commence in the new year, as the refuge becomes 35-years-old.

Sandra added: “We want to celebrate with the community as well as with the families we have staying with us. We are very proud of our 35 years of providing a safe shelter.”