STAFF generosity and hard work has raised more than £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The Smart Corporation, Hartlepool, challenged its 12 stores to raise money for the charity throughout last year and they raised £4,229.

A variety of events included the Harold Hornsey five-a-side football Memorial Tournament and The Charles Dickens Store in Hartlepool organised a ladies day with a twist - once customers had raised £1,000, staff came to work dressed as ladies.

Staff from Home-Smart, Billingham, and Leonards, in Ferryhill, took part in a sponsored parachute jump. Perhaps the most painful was a back wax undertaken by Smart Corporation director Darren Hornsey.

Melissa Howlett, from the DIY company, said: "Macmillan Cancer Relief is a charity that has touched so many lives, and this was reflected in the generosity of all our staff and customers.

"It has been one of the most successful fundraising years we have had."

Macmillan Cancer Relief has many services in Hartlepool, and last year officially launched the Macmillan Hartlepool Carers Service, which aims to help cancer patients stay in their own home in the final stages of the illness.

Wilma Burniston, fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Relief, said: "This has been a fantastic year of fundraising.

"Everyone involved gave so much and we are a very fortunate charity to have such support.

"Macmillan is always seeking to develop services in the area, and support like this makes it possible."

For further information about Macmillan Cancer Relief, call (01325) 370870.