A 90-year-old Bewdley man injured by hurricane winds on a sponsored climb has handed over more than £5,000 to the Millbrook Suite.

Allen Birch and five friends were blown off their feet during the ascent of Mount Snowdon as the tail-end of Hurricane Bill struck Wales.

The 70mph gusts blew them onto rocks and Mr Birch, of Spencer Avenue, Wribbenhall, suffered a blow on the head, a black eye and leg injuries which need physiotherapy.

The group got three-quarters of the way up the 3,560ft mountain before being forced to abandon the climb when weather conditions became too dangerous.

But the great-grandafther's brave bid persuaded many people to increase their sponsor money and resulted in £5,579 being collected.

Mr Birch, a former scout leader, handed a cheque for that amount over to Sister Rachel Desogus at the Millbrook.

The sum will be put towards a £7,000 cooling cap which stops hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.

Mrs Desogus, who took part in a sponsored climb up Scafell Pike - England's highest mountain- in June, said: "Allen has done a fantastic job raising all this money at some risk to himself. Our heartfelt thanks go out to him and all those who backed his project."

Mr Birch spent six months getting sponsorship money in Bewdley, Far Forest, Rock, Clee Hill and the surrounding villages.

The seven-hour climb in driving rain took place on August 26 but the group turned back after being warned by other climbers coming down.

Despite his injuries, Mr Birch managed to descend unaided, apart from using his scout thumbstick.

He said: "It was a disappointment not to get to the summit but nearly everyone paid their sponsorship money. Because it was such a difficult day, many gave more than they had originally promised."

Mr Birch climbed to the top of the same peak at the age of 86 and 88, raising a total of £3,561 which was donated to Methodist churches and local scout groups.

He still walks up to 14 miles on Saturdays to keep fit and serves meals at a luncheon club for the elderly.

His daughter Des drove him round the sponsors. If anyone would like to make a further donation to help reach the £7,000 target figure, they can contact her on 07818-092562.