ROTARIANS have thanked generous shoppers in Ilkley for helping them raise £5,000 for Nepal earthquake relief efforts in just a few weeks.

The Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale quickly began holding collections with Ilkley Rotary Club at Boooth's Supermarket, Leeds Road, not long after the first earthquake struck on April 25.

The Ilkley Wharfedale club has continued to hold collections at Booths and at Tesco, on Springs Lane. The club also contributed £2,000 from its fundraising pot for good causes, to bring the total up to £5,000.

Chris Jones, of Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary Club, said: "The response has been absolutely tremendous. There were people who were saying they'd already donated on the television appeal, but they would give more."

The club has close ties with Nepal. A number of its members regularly visit the country, and have helped out on community projects.

It often works with Rotary Club Of Baglung, in Nepal, and the club has been active in relief efforts following the devastating earthquake.