MANAGERS from one of the region's newest hospices faced a careful journey back to base yesterday after collecting a generous donation from well-wishers at a Little Chef.

The branch of the national restaurant chain at Skeeby, North Yorkshire, has ordered new crockery and, rather than throw the old set away, staff decided to see if they could find a worthy home for it.

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 and chose Zoe's Place hospice, in Middlesbrough, which cares for babies and children under four.

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

"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.

"What we had before was a bit of a mish-mash,'' he said. "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.''