By Hayley Robinson

Despite the recession veteran charity fundraiser Dale Howting still managed to raise more than £6,000 for charity this year thanks to the generosity of shoppers.

Throughout the year the whistling postman has been busy collecting while on his static bike outside Homebase on the Sittingbourne Industrial Park and at Roman Square in Sittingbourne High Street.

And on Saturday the 75-year-old presented cheques to 29 local charities to help their cause.

Among the beneficiaries were the Fibromyalgia Support Group for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, Strode Crescent Church, Sheerness, Sheppey Community Church and Preston Skreens respite unit in Minster.

Mr Howting BEM, of Goodnestone Road, Sittingbourne, said: "Another great year has come to a close with the people of Sittingbourne and the Borough of Swale coming up trumps in the year of a recession.

"The total paid out is £6,204 – I’m so proud of what they have achieved for 2009. Over 32 years a total of £215,809 has been raised. It’s a great effort for all the local charities."