DURHAM'S Tourist Information Centre is getting in the Christmas spirit with its annual sale of cards for charity.

For the tenth year, the busy centre, in the city's Market Place, is selling cards to raise money for charities including The Samaritans, The British Heart Foundation, The NSPCC and Macmillan Cancer Relief.

It is one of more than 250 outlets across the country taking part in the Cards for Good Causes Initiative.

On sale from now until the week before Christmas, are a wide range of cards, wrapping paper and calendars.

Charities taking part receive at least 81p of each £1 spent.

Nora Bullows, who runs the card stall and has helped since the beginning, said: "It is fantastic. We get the same people in every year.''

Centre manager Lynda Yates said the sale was growing in popularity each year, but it was uncertain whether the sale would be held when the centre moves into the Millennium Hall in Claypath.

"We are not sure whether it will be in the centre, but we are going to enjoy a good year this year," she said.

The sale was officially opened yesterday by Durham Mayor George Wharton.