MONEY raised from car parking during this year’s Southampton Boat Show has been paid to three local charities.

A total of £4,722 is being split between ABP’s nominated charity of the year, Southampton Sight, as well as Wessex Cancer Trust and Solent Dolphin.

The collections have been organised for many years by retired ABP staff Steve Russell and Nigel Bassett and involve ABP donating use of some of its car parks every Boat Show week.

Steve, who set up the collections back in 2002, now volunteers for Wessex Cancer Trust.

Nigel, who joined Steve in organising the collections in 2010, is chairman of Solent Dolphin, which organises boat trips for people with disabilities.

It is estimated that more than £100,000 has been raised for local charities since the parking collections began at the port.

Tom McInulty collected the cheque on behalf of Southampton Sight.

A trustee of the charity, Tom worked on cruise ships before losing his sight. Southampton Sight helps those living with sight loss by promoting independence, life skills and social inclusion.

ABP Southampton director Alastair Welch said: “We’re really proud to partner with Southampton Sight this year and we all understand the positive impact these local charities have. It’s lovely to be able to contribute in this way.

“Thank you to Steve and Nigel for all they do to organise the collections, and to the team on the ground who help.”