A CLIMBER has said a big "thank you" to people who have donated money to help raise cash for poverty-stricken youngsters.

Ian Arnold, 47, of Eldon Road, Marsh, went on an expedition to a mountain range in remote Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet state near China.

The trip raised more than £2,000 for the Alpine Fund set up to teach children in Kyrgyzstan practical skills and steer them away from the drugs trade.

The country is one of the major smuggling routes between Afghanistan and the West.

In September, the Examiner told the story of Ian's trip and since then people have been pledging cash to the cause.

He said: "I have had a great response."

A Golcar couple asked for appeal cash instead of anniversary gifts

and Salendine Nook High School's year 10 helped through Children in Need.