Valve manufacturers in Hitchin have donated more than £31,000 to charitable causes close to the hearts of their staff.

The Comet: Crane BS&U president Richard Tuck presents a donation to the 8th Letchworth Scout Group. Picture: Crane BS&UCrane BS&U president Richard Tuck presents a donation to the 8th Letchworth Scout Group. Picture: Crane BS&U (Image: Archant)

Crane Building Services & Utilities, in Wilbury Way, gave cheques to the Fire Fighters Charity, Letchworth-based mental health charity Growing People, Jackie’s Drop-In Centre in Letchworth for adults with disabilities, and Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger.

Money also went to Welwyn Garden City’s Isabel Hospice, Mencap Bishop’s Stortford Grove Cottage, the 11th Hitchin (Holy Saviour) Guides and the 1st Arlesey and 8th Letchworth Scouts.

The Comet: Crane's Scott Dalrymple hands over a donation to the Letchworth-based Jackie's Drop-In Centre, for adults with disabilities. Picture: James J. HarrisCrane's Scott Dalrymple hands over a donation to the Letchworth-based Jackie's Drop-In Centre, for adults with disabilities. Picture: James J. Harris (Image: © 2018 James J. Harris)

A total of £31,350 was donated, with the money coming from the Crane Fund for Widows & Children.

Crane BS&U president Richard Tuck said: “It has been a privilege to spend time with some of the volunteers and representatives of these charities to hear first-hand of the important work that they do in our local community.

The Comet: The 1st Arlesey Scout Group celebrate receiving their donation from Crane BS&U. Picture: Crane BS&UThe 1st Arlesey Scout Group celebrate receiving their donation from Crane BS&U. Picture: Crane BS&U (Image: Archant)

“They really do make a difference, often in the most difficult of circumstances. It has been a humbling experience to be able to support them in this small way.”

The Comet: Crane's Scott Dalrymple, centre, with the 11th Hitchin (Holy Saviour) Guides in the Holy Saviour Church hall. Picture: Crane BS&UCrane's Scott Dalrymple, centre, with the 11th Hitchin (Holy Saviour) Guides in the Holy Saviour Church hall. Picture: Crane BS&U (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Crane's Scott Dalrymple hands over a donation to the Sue Ryder St John's Hospice based in Moggerhanger. Picture: James J. HarrisCrane's Scott Dalrymple hands over a donation to the Sue Ryder St John's Hospice based in Moggerhanger. Picture: James J. Harris (Image: © 2018 James J. Harris)

The Comet: Crane's Scott Dalrymple hands over a donation to the Isabel Hospice based in Welwyn Garden City. Picture: James J. HarrisCrane's Scott Dalrymple hands over a donation to the Isabel Hospice based in Welwyn Garden City. Picture: James J. Harris (Image: © 2018 James J. Harris)

The Comet: Crane's Scott Dalrymple hands over a donation to the Fire Fighters Charity. Picture: James J. HarrisCrane's Scott Dalrymple hands over a donation to the Fire Fighters Charity. Picture: James J. Harris (Image: © 2018 James J. Harris)

The Comet: Crane's Scott Dalrymple hands over a donation to Grove Cottage Bishop's Stortford Mencap. Picture: James J. HarrisCrane's Scott Dalrymple hands over a donation to Grove Cottage Bishop's Stortford Mencap. Picture: James J. Harris (Image: © 2018 James J. Harris)