A CHARITY’S annual Easter egg tombola has egg-ceeded all eggs-pectations.

The St Teresa’s Hospice fundraiser was held in Queen Street Shopping Centre and, in the two weeks leading up to Easter, gave away over 2,000 Easter eggs to hundreds of lucky members of the public.

The hospice appealed across the region for donations of Easter eggs, and the response was overwhelming.

Hordes of individual supporters and 26 businesses from Darlington, Shildon, Newton Aycliffe and beyond helped the Hospice by donating hundreds of Easter eggs to the appeal.

As a result, the tombola has raised £9,685.04, with more still to come.

Hospice director Jane Bradshaw said: “The support from our local community this Easter has been terrific.

"We’re grateful to everyone who donated Easter eggs or scrambled to help us run the tombola, and also to our wonderful event sponsors: Barclays Sunderland, D & H Jewellers, HSBC Darlington, Lloyds Darlington, RBS Darlington and Ron Clark Fruit & Veg.

"The success of this appeal is entirely due to the kindness, dedication and hard work of everyone involved, so thank you! I’d also like to say a special thank you to Queen Street Shopping Centre for once again hosting us, and to the staff of D&H Jewellers in Queen Street for their kindness to our volunteers by keeping them supplied with endless cups of tea.”