CHRISTMAS shoppers in Darlington helped raise £6,544 for St Teresa's Hospice.

For a suggested donation of £2, shoppers wrote their personal seasonal message on Christmas card baubles to hang on the St Teresa's Hospice Giving to Life Christmas tree, in the Cornmill Centre.

In return, they received a gold or silver star badge to depict the National Hospice Light up a Life Campaign.

The Cornmill Centre is reminding the general public of its support for the hospice by displaying hospice banners in the atrium.

Jane Bradshaw, hospice director, said: "Once again the people of Darlington and the Cornmill Centre have shown wonderful support for the hospice.

"It is thanks to everyone's marvellous efforts that we have recently been able to open the new in-patient unit. We would urge everyone to continue in their efforts as we need everyone's continued support to ensure the running costs of the unit are met.