THE organisers of a charity shopping event which ended yesterday hope to give charities a cash boost.

The two-day Durham Shopping Extravaganza, at the Ramside Hotel, on the outskirts of Durham, featured about 60 traders from across the country.

Shoppers were offered a wide range of goods including designer clothing, fashion accessories, toys and children's clothes, jewellery, fine foods and Christmas decorations.

But the event will also help charities which will get the proceeds from admission charges, a raffle, and a percentage of traders' takings.

The organising committee has decided that this year the money will go to St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington, Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue, and the Children's Foundation Yellow Brick Road Appeal.

The event, run by a team of volunteers, is a registered charity. It has raised £86,000 over the last 11 years for good causes in County Durham.

The organisers are hoping that the money brought in by this year's event will take it over the £100,000 mark.