FIVE of Darlington's best-known charities have joined forces to launch a fundraising scheme.

St Teresa's Hospice, The Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital, and the town's branches of Mind, the Samaritans and Age Concern, have formed the Darlington Charity Partnership (DCP).

The DCP has set up a payroll-giving scheme to allow people to make a direct donation through their salary, which will be split equally between the five charities.

Jane Bradshaw, director of St Teresa's Hospice, said: "At some point, this group of charities will touch the lives of virtually every family in the Darlington region.

"By offering a variety of donation options, including the payroll-giving scheme, we hope to make it a little easier for them to help us to care."

To sign up for the payroll-giving scheme or to to help promote the DCP, contact Ivor Rose on (01325) 254321.