A GARAGE in Hampshire is celebrating after raising thousands of pounds for charities across the county by joining forces with a dealership.

Silverlake Garage is a family-run car business with an owner who is determined to help his community.

Allen Prebble, managing director of the garage, has been at the centre of a major fundraising initiative using old cars to benefit people battling cancer, disability and life-threatening illnesses.

He set up Udonateacar.com in 2012 and said it’s been going from strength to strength since the Snows Group decided to become a regular dealer.

The programme is managed by Tina Hawke, who works on various community projects for Silverlake, as well as fundraising for other charities in her spare time.

Udonateacar.com works for individuals and car dealerships with old cars which they take to Silverlake to be scrapped.

The scheme works by asking people to donate a fraction of their scrap car money and for two years the Snows Group has been a regular, providing cars to scrap and choosing charities across Hampshire to help.

The group has raised more than £5,000 so far as a new partner of the programme.

Money from Udonatacar.com has gone to Piam Brown, The Rainbow Centre, The Magic Wand Appeal, Sophie’s Appeal and Wetwheels.

Other organisations helped by the programme also include The Honeypot Children’s Charity, The Rose Road Appeal, Autism Hampshire, Wave Cash for Kids, Naomi House, Southampton Hospital Charity, Wessex Heartbeat, The Dave Wellman Cancer Trust and the Countess Mountbatten Hospice.

Tina Hawke said “As the manager of the charity support arm of Silverlake, we have been working hard to help support our local community.

"If we can generate extra funds and raise the awareness of good causes, then we feel we are doing something very worthwhile.

"We're delighted that the Snows Group has entrusted us to direct funds on their behalf, along with many other well respected local dealerships.

“They are all truly making a difference. We hope to continue our working relationship with them for many years to come and in the process help many worthy causes.”