A GARDEN centre is raising money for St Cuthbert's Hospice by showing people how to prepare for Christmas.

Dobbies Garden World, in Durham Road, Birtley, will use the event, from 6.30pm to 9pm on Thursday, to promote its festive products and will donate the money customers pay to attend to the hospice, which opened a day care centre last year

There will be tips on creating festive wreaths, live music, Christmas food sampling and a free prize draw to win Christmas decorations. All proceeds will go to the hospice.

Tickets cost £2 per person and include mulled wine and mince pies. They can be bought in advance from the store.

For more details, call 0191-410- 2556 or visit www.dobbies.com