A BUILDING society has become the latest recruit to the guild of patrons at a North-East hospice.

Darlington Building Society has pledged its support to the Hartlepool and District Hospice scheme.

The initial target for the guild is a membership of 30 founder patrons, raising a minimum total of £150,000 a year through donations for the hospice's five-year development plan.

Darlington Building Society is the tenth member.

Building society chief executive Peter Rowley said: "The society has been a major supporter of our region's local hospices for a number of years.

"Hartlepool and District Hospice is one of the four beneficiaries of our Hospice Suppor- ter Savings Account.

"The aims of the scheme are inspirational, and we look forward to working with the hospice to help them achieve those aims over the next few years."

Helen Mills, the hospice's chief executive, said: "We are delighted to have the team at Darlington Building Society on board.

"They are already loyal and valued supporters of our hospice, but this new partnership will give them further opportunity to play an important role in developing and shaping the vital care and support services we offer."