STAFF at Bradford-based Yorkshire Water have raised more than £175,000 for the WaterAid charity in the last year with a series of events.

The cash is enough to transform the lives of almost 12,000 people by improving access to safe, clean water.

Workers at the company have backed the fundraising effort by taking part in events including the Great North Run and other challenges.

Barbara Frost, chief executive of WaterAid, said: “On behalf of everyone at WaterAid I would like to thank Yorkshire Water for helping us bring safe water and sanitation to some of the world’s poorest communities.

“Gaining access to water and sanitation really does transform lives; improving health, education and livelihoods and forming the first, essential step in overcoming poverty. The amazing support we receive from businesses and individuals is vital as we work towards a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water to drink and a safe place to go to the toilet.”

David McGlinchey, Vice Chairman of Yorkshire Water’s WaterAid committee, said: “We’re very proud of our continuing support for WaterAid and being part of such a long-standing partnership that is making a huge difference to some of the world’s poorest people. "