HOSPICE managers faced a careful journey back to base after collecting a donation from well-wishers at a Little Chef restaurant.

The branch of the national chain at Skeeby, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, has ordered new crockery and, rather than throw the old set away, staff sought a worthy home for it.

Their head office contacted a number of charities in the area to see if they could make use of dozens of plates, bowls, cups, saucers and teapots.

The decision was to send the crockery to Zoe's Place hospice, in Middlesbrough, which cares for babies and children under four.

Skeeby Little Chef manager Jane Baldwin said: "The crockery was in such good condition, we felt it was a shame for it to go to waste.

"When we approached Zoe's Place, they jumped at the offer, and we are really pleased we have been able to help and it is all going to a good home.''

Zoe's Place general manager Mark Guidery said the hospice was thrilled with the gift.

He said: "What we had before was a bit of a mish-mash.

"We are extremely grateful to the Little Chef for such a nice gesture.

"This will be something which benefits both the children and their parents and will certainly save us a substantial amount of money.''