A BARCLAYS bank employee from Bishop Auckland raised £595 for the Hunwick Community Association, in Crook.

Counter manager of Bishop Auckland's Barclays branch Jean Surtees raised the cash by serving refreshments and raffle tickets at a recent ceilidh for a community investment programme.

She said: "At Barclays, we strive to strengthen the local communities in which we live and work by supporting a range of causes.

"This is a fantastic example of Barclays staff fundraising with the local community to achieve something which we hope will make a real and lasting difference."

The money raised will go towards the contribution of facilities for after school activities and local community events.

Alistair Melville, treasurer of Hunwick Community Association, said: "On behalf of the committee, I would like to express our thanks to Jean for her efforts."