A NEW partnership between a high street bank and a football club is set to benefit children in and around Teesside.

Virgin Money and Middlesbrough Football Club have joined forces to help the club's MFC Foundation continue its work in the community.

The relationship between them has grown over the last year with the store donating Easter eggs to the Foundation which were then presented to under privileged children in the area. And Store staff have also raised funds for the Foundation by taking part in such things as the Middlesbrough 5km run.

Gillian Huitson, Virgin Money store manager said: “I first heard about the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation whilst listening to an interview with Helena Pinder on BBC Radio Tees. She was so enthusiastic about the Foundation I got in touch with her about ways that the store and the Foundation could work together.

"We are both passionate about our Teeside community, and the benefits of fundraising through Virgin Money Giving means that more of what we raise will go directly to the good causes who need it most."