A CHARITY mini-market set up in a factory reception area has raised £1,000 for the Alzheimer's Society.

The market at the 3M plant, on Newton Aycliffe Industrial Estate, traded during shift changes and break times.

Items were donated by employees and from the company's product range.

Organiser Derek Cochrane, from 3M, said: "We made up 212 goodie bags which sold like hot cakes throughout the day, with the donated books and videos also selling well.

"It's great that we are able to give such a large cheque to the charity as a result."

Louise Bainbridge, the charity's service manager for County Durham, thanked 3M for the support.

"This was a wonderful surprise for us and the money will make a great difference to our members," she said.

The Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.