EMPLOYEES at a North-East firm were transported to Peru yesterday when a company marked United Nations' World Food Day.

Workers at TNT International UK's depot in Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, joined their colleagues across the country in an effort to raise money for the World Food Programme.

The initiative pays for food and other vital supplies to be transported to people most in need in areas across the world.

Staff at the County Durham depot, in Mercantile Road, adopted Peru as their chosen country for the day and arrived at work with ponchos, brightly coloured waistcoats and hats with brightly coloured ribbons.

They also celebrated one of Peru's best known residents, Paddington Bear, who reputedly came from "deepest, darkest Peru".

As a result, marmalade sandwiches were served up at lunchtime, alongside Peru's more traditional rice and bean dishes.

Christine Clark, assistant to the depot's general manager, Richard Mellor, said: "We have got one of the foremen to dress up in a duffel coat with wellies and eat marmalade sandwiches.

"Most of the other employees have ponchos or tablecloths on and bright ribbons, so it is very colourful."

The company helps transport supplies around the world for the World Food Programme and hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the initiative with its fundraising day.