A SUPERMARKET has raised £4,395 during a year of in-store events in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Sainsbury's, in Victoria Road, Darlington, held a series of bag-packs and collections after choosing the GNAAS as its charity of the year.

Marie Steward, charity organiser at the store, visited Durham Tees Valley Airport, near Darlington, yesterday where she presented the cheque to GNAAS crew members.

She said: "We chose the Great North Air Ambulance because its work impacts upon a huge cross section of the community.

"During the course of our fundraising, there were so many people who had stories about themselves or their family or friends who have been helped by the service.

"We would just like to thank all customers and staff who helped to raise such a fantastic sum."

A GNAAS spokesman said: "It is because of the support of people like Marie and the team at Sainsbury's that the Great North Air Ambulance Service can continue to undertake life saving missions. We thank them and all who supported this magnificent effort."