WHEN David Akar, the owner of the Village Cafe in the Square in Grayshott, told his regulars in the early morning coffee group that one of his customers was struggling to push her invalid husband out in his wheelchair every day, he struck an immediate chord.

Keen to help, the group vowed to try and raise funds to buy a motorised chair which could be operated more easily.

Members offered donations and also agreed to organise a bingo night to raise funds.

Carol Rowden, the manageress of Grayshott Charity Shop approached local businesses, many of whom donated prizes for the bingo night raffle and auction.

She also persuaded shop trustees, The Bordon Liphook Haslemere Charity, to make a substantial donation, and succeeded in selling all the tickets for the bingo night, which was held at the cafe.

The fundraising event, which also featured a delicious spread of Turkish dishes laid on by Grayshott Village Cafe, was a big hit.

Thanks to all the donations and the ticket sales, the coffee group was able to purchase a motorised wheelchair and members were delighted to present it to Derek and Sandra Wright at the bingo night.

Mr and Mrs Wright can make use of the chair, but it will be the property of the group, and it will be maintained for use by other villagers in need.

The group succeeded in raising more than £1,500, which was enough to buy an ordinary wheelchair as well as the motorised wheelchair.

Members will now be able to offer another wheechair to residents for occasional use.

Carol said: “The coffee group is delighted to have raised so much money and would like to thank Grayshott residents for the massive support shown for its fundraising appeal.”