THE BALA and Penllyn Rotary Club has revealed its latest plans to continue raising money for various organisations throughout 2019 - with their most recognisable event set to make a return.

The Rotary's fundraising activities during 2018 brought success, with the headline event, "the Bala Challenge" charity walk, attracting 220 people and raising more than £4000.

Returning for the 11th consecutive year, on May 11, the four various walks at the event will take place in the hillside above Llyn Tegid Lake and organisers are expecting a great turnout.

Bala and Penllyn Rotary President Norman Jones said: "The response of participants (to the 2018 edition) was most encouraging.

"Walkers came from near and far - several from Penllyn and some from the South of England. Many others returned from previous years too, proving the event's appeal.

"This year we are anticipating that around 250 people will join us."

In addition to the charity walk, a Coffee Event was held on May Fair Day mainly in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The money raised was distributed to various charities and good causes. Bala First Responders and Bala Lake Railway received £100 each.

£1000 was donated to the North Wales Air Ambulance charity and donations were also made to Macmillan Nurses (£500), Treaddur Bay Lifeboat Station (£400), MS Society (£250), Urban Saints (£200), the South Snowdonia Search And Rescue Team (£300) and the John Radcliffe Hospital charity (£100).

In addition, a £400 donation was also made to the Moelfre RNLI team based on Anglesey. This included a substantial gift from one of the walkers who had experienced a family member being rescued by that lifeboat team.

Rotary officials added that £2000 remains in the 'Good Causes' fund and this will be distributed in the near future.

"The Rotary Club is grateful to all who contributed to the events' success," Mr Jones continued.

"From those who planned and organised to local businesses who contributed practically towards refreshments and prizes. To the local farmers, the Bala Lakeside Railway, stewards and those who took part in the events - we would like to thank them all.

"I am hoping that you have all made it a New Year's Resolution to make it to this year's Bala Challenge."

Further information: www.balachallenge.org.uk.