A DARLINGTON company has joined forces with two local hospices to help support their fundraising efforts.

To support the two local charities, which were chosen by Cleveland Bridge’s employee council, the manufacturer will contribute cash donations and help to organise fundraising events throughout the year.

Zoë's Place, which has a base in Middlesbrough, provides palliative, respite and end of life care to children.

The second chosen charity, St Teresa’s Hospice, which was founded in 1986, aims to provide quality palliative care, free of charge, to people in the South Durham and North Yorkshire areas.

Rob McBride, of Cleveland Bridge's employee forum said: “The circumstances surrounding palliative care are difficult for any family to deal with. We can’t underestimate the difference that these charities make with the services and care that they offer, which is why we have chosen to support them both through our corporate partnership.”

David Jones, from St Teresa’s Hospice, said: “We have been fortunate to have been supported by them over the years and we are thrilled to have been chosen as one of the charities of the year, alongside Zoë’s Place. We rely on the fantastic support of community organisations and local businesses to ensure our vital free care and support is available to those who need it, and we look forward to working in partnership with Cleveland Bridge UK.”

Victoria Rogers, corporate and event fundraiser from Zoë's Place, said: “We are looking forward to working with the staff and having lots of fun whilst raising money for our babies at the hospice. This support means that we can literally keep our doors open for the families in our region that need our help.”