THE Chester-le-Street branch of the Newcastle Building Society will raise money for St Cuthbert’s Hospice this year.

Staff at the Front Street office have chosen to back the Durham-based hospice, which provides support for people throughout the area with life-limiting illnesses and their families and friends.

The hospice offers inpatient and day care, counselling and support services to people of all ages,

The fundraising for St Cuthbert's is part of the building society’s Cornerstone of the Community campaign, through which individual branches support local organisations and good causes, including community charities, hospices, schools and voluntary groups.

Money will be raised for St Cuthbert's with in-branch activities, including cake bakes, book sales and competitions.

Branch manager Lee Metters said: “As a mutual organisation, it's important for us to give something back to the communities in which we operate.

“The support provided by St Cuthbert's helps so many families around our area and having such a great local cause to work for will provide us with real inspiration right through the year."