A GARDEN centre has held a charity night to launch its Christmas range.

Dobbies Garden World, in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, invited customers to help raise money for St Cuthbert's Hospice.

The event included seasonal demonstrations and festive entertainment. There was live music, Christmas food to sample, including mince pies and mulled wine, and a free prize draw to win £100 worth of Christmas decorations.

All proceeds from the evening went to the Durham charity, which provides palliative care services.