THIS Christmas will see the start of fundraising efforts for a hospice at a Darlington shopping centre.

Money donated at the Queen Street Centre, in Darlington, during its Christmas and Easter animations, will support the work of St Teresa's Hospice in the town.

Volunteers will also be able to boost the hospice's income through carol singing and other activities in the centre.

Queen Street Centre manager Paul Jackson said: "Darlington's shoppers always give so generously to our animations, and we want the money to go where it will most benefit local people in need.

"St Teresa's provides an excellent service, by both caring for people with chronic and terminal illnesses, and supporting their family and friends."

Hospice director Jane Bradshaw said: "This is a very significant adoption for St Teresa's Hospice. In terms of the sheer number of people who walk through Queen Street every day, we can ensure that everyone in Darlington and the surrounding area is aware of St Teresa's as their local hospice.