gift to two charities yesterday following collections on Christmas Eve.

Reverend Alan Garrity presented $2,115 to each the Prison Fellowship and PALS, which provides care and support to cancer sufferers and their families.

Neither were expecting such big donations, but said they were very grateful to the members of the church who had given.

Rev. Garrity said: "The church thought these two organisations were doing a good job for the community and felt they should be supported by the Christian community, as well. They are both very valuable services which are in need of financial help.'' Chairman of the Prison Fellowship Charles Vaucrosson said the cash would be used to help provide books for those inmates who have gone back to school, as well as boosting its Angel Tree Project.

Mr. Vaucrosson said: "The Angel Tree Project is where we buy Christmas presents for the children of inmates.

"We have a fund for the project, and every year it gets divided up for presents, depending on how many children we need to buy for. The more money we have, the more expensive presents we can buy.

"We are exceedingly grateful. We never know where our money is going to come from, but we did not expect this amount today. This will certainly buy a lot of books and a lot of presents.'' And Alan Pailing, who is a member of PALS, said the money he received would be used to help support people with terminal illness.

He added: "This money is a big help and it will certainly assist us in providing cancer support in Bermuda.

"We always need money to provide support, not just for those with cancer themselves, but also their families. We thank Christ Church very much.''