A CHARITY has thanked its supporters who helped raise £650 in one weekend to support its work.

Two events were held in Durham last month to raise money for Marie Curie, the cancer care charity.

Retailer Matalan organized a tea party at its Dragonville store to launch a year of fund raising for the cause, where staff baked cakes and served refreshments to customers.

Member of staff Ryan Humphrey arranged for fellow musicians from Durham Sixth Form Centre to serenade shoppers.

Store deputy manager Dawn Surtees said: “We are delighted with the excellent response from all the staff and customers, raising an incredible £478.”

Meanwhile, events were also held over the Bank Holiday at the Durham Road Chef motorway service station.

Manager Iain Thomson said: “We've been working closely with the team at Durham's Marie Curie Office and they've had a great few days doing some collecting with us, raising £172. We are looking forward to more events over the coming year."

Marie Curie Durham Rapid Response Manager, Gillian Foreman thanked supporters and added: “All money raised in the Durham area will be used to support Rapid Response nurses, based in St Cuthbert’s Hospice to provided free palliative care for Durham people.”

The next event taking place locally to support the charity is a tea party in Alington House, North Bailey, in Durham on Saturday, June 21 from 11am to 2pm.