Mrs Sunderland winner tuning up for new title

A SLAITHWAITE schoolgirl has sacrificed her birthday presents to help a local wildlife rescue centre.

Louisa Tweedale asked her friends to make donations to Meltham Wildlife Rescue in Holmfirth instead of bringing presents to her ninth birthday party.

She said: “I wanted to help the animals get better and thought this was a good way to support them.

“I was amazed when I found out we had raised £83 and I was happy when we gave the cheque to Kath.”

Kath Heney, who runs the centre, said: “We were delighted that Louisa and her friends were able to support our work.

“The money they have donated will go towards the development of a reception area for new arrivals, so we can get our kitchen back.”

Louisa, who attends Nields Junior Infant and Nursery School, has a track record in helping animals.

When she was just six years old, she fundraised £175 with a bun sale at her school for the RSPCA.

She also brought a dying blackbird to Meltham Wildlife Rescue and although it couldn’t be saved, she continued to help the centre by running a toffee apple stall at its open day last year.

She said: “I’m not old enough to volunteer at the rescue yet, but I still want to help if I can.” the flute.

She started playing the flute aged seven and the piccolo at 15 years old.

She enjoys both solo and orchestral playing and is a committed member of various ensembles, including the National Youth Chamber Orchestra of Great Britain, Yorkshire Young Sinfonia and Kirklees Musica Youth Orchestra.

Imogen, who goes to Greenhead College in Huddersfield, is currently studying A-Levels in music, maths and art. She is hoping to continue her studies at a conservatoire next year.

The championship will take place at Carleton Community High School in Pontefract on September 9 from 10.30am until 4.00pm.

Tickets, which cost £5 each, can be purchased by calling 01226 752576 or at the event.

Refreshments, including lunch, will be available throughout the day on site. Louisa Tweedale, aged nine, presents the £83 cheque she received instead of gifts at her birthday party to Kath Heney, who runs Meltham Wildlife Rescue