A NEW fundraising manager has taken on the task of raising thousands of pounds every week for a south Durham hospice.

Mother-of-three Sylvia Stoneham, 45, arrived at the Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland at the beginning of the month.

She is putting together a fresh programme of events over the next few months and hopes for strong community support.

One money-spinning idea, the Precious Hours Appeal, encourages people to raise a specific amount of money to pay for care time at the hospice, which takes up to 20 patients a day.

There is also a Hospice at Home scheme for people who cannot travel.

Mrs Stoneham, who lives in Fencehouses, also hopes to build up the Butterwick's team of volunteers, who help with driving, gardening, fundraising and a range of domestic chores.

She can be contacted on (01388) 603003