Merseytravel has handed over a cheque for £80,000 to Claire House Children’s Hospice – its adopted corporate charity for 2009.

The cheque draws together money raised from two spectacular events held this year.

Merseytravel’s "Under and Over the Mersey" event, held in July to celebrate 75 years since the opening of the Queensway Tunnel, helped raise £60,000.

It also included a £20,000 film fee from Warner Brothers, paid to Merseytravel for using the Queensway Tunnel to film elements of the forthcoming Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Merseytravel chose to donate the fee to the hospice.

Councillor Mark Dowd, chairman of Merseytravel, was joined by Cllrs Peter Millea and Chris Blakeley and a team of Merseytravel officers to present the money on Friday evening.

Cllr Dowd said: “Over the year we have forged a very special relationship with many of the children, families and staff at Claire House.

“We are proud of that connection and that this money will go towards supporting such a worthwhile cause that is doing so much good.”

Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel added: “We know this money will be put to good use, supporting the families of some truly deserving children.

"This is a donation from us, but it was given with thanks to everyone who took part in Under and Over the Mersey and to Warner Brothers.”

The money comes in addition to £6,500 already raised by Merseytravel from a number of in house fundraising ideas.

Pat Faragher, head of appeals at Claire House, said: “We have been overwhelmed at the commitment and support shown from Merseytravel who have never left our side for a minute this year.

“The support we have enjoyed has been instrumental in helping us to maintain our fundraising this year.

"We are truly overwhelmed and grateful for this help and of course the amazing sum of money, which will help to secure the future of our vital service.”