Two causes close to the heart of former Grimsby Telegraph editor Peter Moore received a boost after donations were made in lieu of flowers at his funeral.

The horseracing-mad news man died on October 1, having edited the Telegraph for 20 years, retiring in 2002.

Evens-favourites for the money were When You Wish Upon A Star and the St James’ Church Development Fund.

At his funeral, his widow Carole asked people to donate, and now she has presented two cheques for £1,250.

She believes that Peter would have been delighted with the response.

She said: “He would have been thrilled with the generosity of everyone. It’s a more lasting effort then flowers.”

For When You Wish Upon A Star, the money is the equivalent of being able to send five ill children to Lapland to meet Father Christmas.

Carole said: “Peter would have been very chuffed with that.”

Canon Michael Hunter, the Rector of Grimsby, accepted the cheque for St James’ Development Fund.

He conducted the funeral, which saw the parish church left with standing room only, as family and friends were joined by scores of people who had their careers launched and furthered by Mr Moore.

Canon Hunter said: “Peter was a marvellous man and a member of the St James’ Development Trust committee and I know his association with the church meant a lot to him. His fellow trustees miss him greatly.

“The donations are an indication of the huge affection with which Peter was held.”