STAFF at a north Durham supermarket have taken part in a festive fundraising weekend.

Annfield Plain Tesco staff completed the sponsored bike ride as part of 'Cycle to Lapland' to raise money for Cancer research UK.

Employees shared stints on a static bicycle to help clock up enough miles to reach the home of Father Christmas with other stores around the country.

The cycling was part of a range of seasonal activities, including writing letters and posting them to Father Christmas, to raise money for charity’s life-saving work.

Phil Blake, from Chester-le-Street, who works at the store, said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for staff and customers at Tesco Annfield Plain to get involved in a festive fundraising event, have fun and support Cancer Research UK doctors, nurses and scientists beat cancer at the same time."

Tesco and Cancer Research UK are working together to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of cancer, reduce people's anxiety about the disease and encourage them to visit the doctor if they notice anything unusual.