A report in the Free Press online led to an unexpected windfall for a craft group in Fitzhead, when a man with long ago connections to the village read about them from his home in Clevedon.

The group is raffling a 1000-piece sampler quilt, made by 14 of its members, to raise funds for heating in the village Tithe Barn where they meet.

Chris Norrish, of Clevedon, read all about it in the Free Press digital version - wsfp.co.uk - and decided to boost their efforts with a £100 cheque.

“He got in touch when he saw the article, as his parents had married and he was christened in Fitzhead church, and he knew a few past residents,” said craft group founder Mandy Bool, whose number was given in the story.

“Within 24 hours the cheque arrived – I’m not often speechless but I was then,” she said. “It’s just such a lovely surprise and very generous.”

The craft group has now raised £867 of its £1,000 target and hopes to reach it this Sunday, when a special village craft exhibition and tea and cake is being held.

“It’s a very worthy cause,” said Chris Norrish, 76, whose eye was caught by a picture of the quilt.

“I must have got out of bed on the right side that morning. I rang up and, with great alacrity, I wrote out the cheque and sent it off.

“I’m very pleased to contribute and I hope it’s all a great success,” he said.

The raffle and event will be held in the Tithe Barn from 2pm. For further information contact 01823 401187.