A CHARITY which holds film screenings in Whitchurch has raised more than £11,500 for the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine appeal.

Flicks in the Sticks is part of the charity, Arts Alive, and it has screened films in rural communities across Shropshire, including in Sir John Talbot's School, in Prees Road and it raised £11,644.57 at its Ukraine Support Screenings.

Flicks in the Sticks had 20 rural venues take part in the fundraising through ticket sales and the funds have subsequently been donated to the DEC Ukraine appeal.

Ian Kerry, the executive director of Arts Alive and Flicks in the Sticks, praised the support the charity has received.

He added: "It’s testament to the fantastic community spirit that our local Flicks promoters have harnessed over the years, that they were able to raise such a huge amount for the crisis in Ukraine.

"We are immensely proud of the efforts and generosity of everyone involved."

Flicks in the Sticks is celebrating its 23rd anniversary and its film screenings has welcomed more than 500,000 audience members and over 13,600 screenings in the last 20 years.

Hazel Ockenden, from Flicks in the Sticks, admitted they were delighted with the money.

She said: "This is an amazing feat considering this has been coordinated by a small team of two to three people over the years.

"Despite public funding cuts and a pandemic, Flicks in the Sticks seems to defy the odds and keep going.

"We hope people continue to see Flicks as good quality, local entertainment and as an essential community lifeline to feel connected to others."

Ian added: "We have a fantastic season of film lined up in every corner of Shropshire.

"Please come and enjoy a community event with high quality film."

For more information about upcoming films visit artsalive.co.uk/film