A COMPANY accounts team hopes the pounds will roll in after they complete the region's biggest charity run at the weekend.

Six colleagues from property, energy and waste management firm HJ Banks' head office, at Thrislington Industrial Estate, West Cornforth, and two friends want to raise £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Lyn Binns, Mandy Armstrong, Rob Lockhart, Paul Hammond, Caroline Hosey and David Martin started training in January for the Great North Run, which takes place on Sunday, as part of a New Year fitness resolution.

They will be joined by Nick Dodds - running on behalf of his wife Wendy, who works at HJ Banks but withdrew when she became pregnant - and friend Alison Kelly, whose employers Abbey will match fund her sponsorship up to £500.

The team chose to donate the money they raise to the cancer charity in memory of a friend of Mrs Binns and Mrs Kelly. She was 27 years old when she died of cancer last month.

Mrs Binns said: "Everyone agreed to raise money for Macmillan because most people have been touched by cancer.

"We've already raised £2,850 with raffles, a tombola at Asda, in Bishop Auckland, a charity car wash, selling home-baking and donations from companies. I'd like to thank everyone who is supporting us."

Elvi Soria, of Macmillan cancer relief, said: "They have been raising money for us all year, we're so appreciative of their support."