THREE local charities have benefitted from

Leeds Building Society

's 50th birthday in

Reading

.

As part of the Reading branch’s half-century celebrations, a vote was held for members to choose how £600 was shared between good causes that benefit the communities in which Leeds Building Society members and colleagues live and work.

READ MORE: Reading branch of Leeds Building Society marks 50 years

Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice won the vote and received £300, with £200 donated to the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre and £100 going to the Reading branch of

Samaritans

.

Leeds Building Society chief executive officer Richard Fearon was on hand to meet the charities and find out more about the work they do in the area.

John O’Hanlon, Leeds Building Society’s Reading branch manager, said: "We've been serving the people of Reading for 50 years and it was great to be able to hold a celebration for our members and former colleagues.

"To be able to use our celebration to donate money to three great causes that have a positive effect on our local community is fantastic.

"It was great to welcome representatives of the charities and Leeds Building Society CEO Richard Fearon to the branch for the presentation today."