Passengers who threw £10,000 of loose change into Gatwick Airport's fountains will see their cash go to a good cause.

Staff at the airport have fished out the cash and plan to give it to four groups trying to improve the lives of people with mental and physical problems.

BAA workers nominated four charities and the money will now be divided equally between the Opportunities Playgroup, Disaway, Crawley Association for Mental Health, and the charity CHASE.

The chosen charities will also get help through the coming year.

Annette Jones, chairwoman of the BAA Gatwick charities panel, said: "The charities chosen impressed us because they covered a wide range of local needs.

"We are looking forward to working with them throughout the coming year."

A special donation of £200 each has been made to seven other charities, which had been nominated but not selected to share the fountain money.