SHOPWORKERS raised more than £200 for charity during a Christmas event.

Staff at the Wilkinson store in Chester-le-Street held fund raising events for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, the store’s chosen charity of the year.

Customers at the Osbourne Road shop took part in a raffle, while staff dressed up in Christmas jumpers and organised Secret Santa gifts.

The event raised a total of £213 for the cause.

Store manager Debbie Stainsby said: "This year’s Christmas event has been a delight to organise and take part in.

"The whole team is incredibly enthusiastic about raising funds for the GNAAS and we hope that our customers enjoyed the activities as much as we did.

"This is the fourth fundraising event that we have held for our charity and we couldn’t be more grateful to everybody who has supported us on our wonderful journey.

"I am incredibly proud of the team here at Chester-le-Street, who have already made it their New Year’s resolution to raise even more money in 2013".

Mandy Drake, at The Great North Air Ambulance Service, said: "It was lovely to have received such a wonderful festive treat this Christmas and we would like to thank the Chester-le-Street store and its loyal customers for their enthusiasm and kind donations."