THOUSANDS of pounds in fundraising cash will go towards specialist lifting equipment at a children's hospice.

Youngster's being cared for at Zoe's Place, in Normanby, Middlesbrough, were treated to a visit from a furry policeman and his mascot friend.

Cleveland Police mascots Billie and Badgie handed over a cheque for £2,200 after the force raised the money during a charity auction.

Auction lots included a weekend holiday in Dublin, local gym memberships and the weekend hire of a Mercedes car.

Mark Guidery, general manager at the hospice, told how valuable donations are to Zoe's Place.

He said: "This amount of money is brilliant - just amazing.

"The money will go towards lifting equipment in our bathrooms, and will help both the staff and the children.

"Without donations like this from organisations and the public, Zoe's Place simply wouldn't survive."

A total of £4,200 was raised by Cleveland Police during activities over the Christmas period. The Butterwick Hospice, at Stockton, and Multiple Sclerosis Research Therapy Centre, in Eston, each received £1,000.

Zoe's Place provides care and respite for babies and young children with life-threatening or life-shortening illnesses. It is one of two centres, with its Liverpool sister marking it's 10th birthday this year.