AN aluminium recycling scheme has helped fundraisers to make £500 towards the refurbishment of a hospice dining room.

Charity workers at the Butterwick Hospice, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, have thanked readers of The Northern Echo for their support in the recycling campaign.

The Make Things Happen project was organised by Alupro, an industry-sponsored organisation which helps to get more aluminium cans and foil recycled.

Hospice workers were asked to recycle an extra tonne of aluminium cans and earn £500 worth of Environment vouchers to redecorate the dining room.

Steve Freeman, of Alupro, said: "I never had any doubt that the hospice would beat the target. Volunteers led by Bernard Harrison do a great job in raising funds through aluminium recycling.''

Sylvia Stoneham, of the Butterwick, said the cash paid for the hospice to brighten up the dining room and keep it looking at its best.

She said: "We are involved in lots of imaginative ways to raise funds and the cash we receive through aluminium can recycling is invaluable.''

For more information about the continuing recycling programme, telephone the hospice on (01388) 603003, or its recycling partner, R and H Tomlinson, on (01388) 604185.