A GROUP of bank workers has received an award in recognition of its fundraising efforts.

Since the start of 1998, St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington, has been one of the main charities supported by staff at Barclays' Darlington and the Dales branches.

The official amount raised now totals £25,258, which includes matched funding from Barclays.

Support for the hospice and more than 100 other charities has helped the group win a national award for community activities.

It has also resulted in a further £1,250 being presented to the hospice.