STAFF and customers at betting centres across Basildon dug deep to help raise £110,000 for a children’s charity.

Seventeen disabled youngsters from around the country will receive state-of-art wheelchairs, which will give them freedom of movement and more independence, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Cashino Adult Gaming Centre, which has branches in South Walk and Market Square.

Cashino and its sister organisation, Beacon Bingo, hosted a range of activities over the past 12 months, including sponsored hikes, bungee jumps and five-aside football matches.

Staff also organised raffles and a collection to boost the cash pot for charity Chips, which helps young people with severe mobility problems.

The charity was founded on behalf of the casino and gaming industry, and since 2005 more than £400,000 has been raised.

A total of 65 powered wheelchairs have been handed out.

Phil Gibbs, marketing manager for Cashino, said: “Chips is an extremely worthy cause and that’s why we continue to support the charity – the wheelchairs make such a difference to the lives of these young people, helping them to become more mobile and do a lot of things they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do.

“I am so proud of everyone who helped us raise this fantastic amount.

“It has been a great effort by all of our staff and customers this year and hopefully our continued efforts will help to raise much-needed funds for many more wheelchairs in the future.”

Linda Lindsay, co-founder of Chips, added: “Cashino is one of our main fundraisers and if it wasn’t for them, these children wouldn’t have an opportunity to combat their disabilities with such a valuable resource.

“I know both everyone at the charity and the recipients themselves are all very grateful to all those involved.”