Generous people across the North East have helped raise nearly £11,000 to transform lives in Madagascar.
Over the last year, Northumbrian Water′s customers have donated vital funds to the company′s charity partner, WaterAid, using the leaflet included in their water bills.
The insert, which explains how some of the world′s poorest people don′t have clean water, decent toilets or good hygiene, offers customers the opportunity to sign up as a regular supporter or give a one-off donation.
The money raised will go towards WaterAid projects in Madagascar, where the charity will help improve communities′ access to clean water, as well as building toilets and running hygiene programmes to educate communities.
The £10,819 raised last year, is just part of an incredible £4.3million raised by Northumbrian Water customers through their bill inserts since 1993.
Northumbrian WaterAid′s Chairman, Andrew Blakemore, said: "The leaflets that we include in the bills give our customers a quick and easy way to donate to WaterAid at a time when they are thinking about their own water supply.
"It′s really easy for us to take water for granted when we can just turn on the tap, but around the world, one in nine people don′t have clean water close to their home.
"Each year, we′re blown away by the amount of support we receive from our customers and their generosity over the last 26 years is just incredible. They are helping transform lives for some of the world′s poorest families, and for that we′re grateful."
Christine Mellor, Water Industry Partnerships Manager at WaterAid, said: "Around the world, one in nine people live without clean water close to home. Clean water is a human right, not a luxury item reserved for the lucky few.
"The longstanding support of Northumbrian Water and its customers is vital as we work towards a world where clean water and good sanitation are normal for everyone, everywhere."