The Noah's Ark Appeal to build a children's hospital in wales has received a further boost with a cheque of £501.04 from churchgoers in Llawhaden.

The money was raised by carol singers who toured the parish over two nights last month. They were even accompanied by Father Christmas on his sleigh, thanks to 16-year-old Glyn Williams.

The cheque has been donated to the Pembrokeshire fund-raising committee of the Noah's Ark Appeal.

The committee has pledged to raise £25,000 towards the £5m. appeal and its chairman, Haverfordwest businessman Malcolm Green, said he was very grateful to the carollers for their gesture.

"This was a wonderful effort and means that the committee in Pembrokeshire has already raised around £5,000," said Mr. Green. "Obviously there is still some way to go and we are appealing for voluntary organisations in the county to contribute their own fund-raising events."

Ian Botham has already committed himself to a sponsored walk through West Wales in the spring. The 229-mile journey will take him through the heart of Pembrokeshire.