A SHOPPING centre has given a Helping Hand appeal a boost by donating £750.
The Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, in Durham, gave the amount raised by its Christmas grotto to Mayor George Cowper's appeal.
It supports the Durham Centre for People with Learning Disabilities and the Alzheimer's Society, in Durham and Chester-le-Street.
The Durham Centre for People with Learning Disabilities will put its share of the money towards creating a garden based on a Mediterranean theme, with raised flowerbeds at wheelchair height.
The Alzheimer's Society will use its portion to help run a day care centre for people with dementia.
Councillor Cowper said: "Both of these charities are very dear to my heart.
"Before I was appointed mayor, I was manager of a learning disabilities centre, and have seen first-hand the fantastic care and support the centre offers.
"Likewise, with the Alzheimer's Society.
"Not only does it offer a full support system to people with dementia, but to their carers too, which I feel is equally important.
"We are extremely grateful to Prince Bishops for this kind donation."
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