IT’S a bright New Year for Petersfield charity Artscape with a £8,100 donation from ukulele bands.

The Pompey Pluckers and its spin-off group The Plucky Misfits presented Artscape director Mandie Letchford with the cheque.

This was given after festive tunes were played by the Pompey Pluckers in the Pop-in Café at Winton House where Artscape meets.

Most of the cash was raised by performances by the Pluckers, with the Misfits contributing £1,300.

Mandie was delighted that Artscape, which provides the opportunity for those suffering from mental health problems to express themselves through creativity, had been chosen as the bands’ charity.

The money will be used for art materials.

Pompey Pluckers chairman Peter Coote said most of the money from the more than 80 gigs a year went to charity. Those that had benefitted in the past included Rowans Hospice, Wessex Cancer Trust and Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Ambulance.

“Artscape is a great cause,” he said.

Lyn Browne, representing the Misfits, said members really enjoyed playing their ukuleles and giving to charity.

Visit artscape.weebly.com