A POPULAR bakery chain has set itself a £10,000 target for charity.

Thomas the Baker has chosen Marie Curie Cancer Care as their charity of the year.

And employees from across their 36 shops and head office in Helmsley will be taking part in a wide range of fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

From collection tins to tea parties and supporting the charity’s Great Daffodil Appeal in March, the company hope to raise a grand total of £10,000.

Such a sum would enable the charity to provide 500 hours of free care to people with a terminal illness in their own homes or in one of its nine hospices.

Company spokesman Chris Chapman said: “We’re really excited about the launch of this new partnership and it’s fantastic to know that by working with Marie Curie over the next year, it’s going to make a huge difference to people living with a terminal illness.”