THERE more than 80 Pink Elephant collecting boxes at pubs, clubs and shops throughout the York area - all collecting much-needed funds for a charity for blind people.

But none has come anywhere near the success of the elephant at the Sun Inn in Acomb.

The pub recently collected the highest ever amount for the York Blind And Partially Sighted Society, said a charity spokeswoman.

She said that £155 was collected, which will greatly assist the society in maintaining vital services to local blind and partially sighted people.

The spokeswoman said: "Collecting boxes are emptied regularly by volunteers and the funds assist the society in maintaining its vital services to local blind and partially sighted people.

"These include a volunteer visiting service, an eye clinic and a resource centre, which is the only place in York where people may gain information, support and are able to try out equipment which may help to aid their independent living - such as magnifiers, talking watches and large button telephones, which all help to aid independent living."

She said the Sun Inn was now challenging other venues with a Pink Elephant collecting box to beat its record.