BUSINESS leaders have come together with a recently elector mayor to raise money for charity.

More than sixty individuals, including Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, representing dozens of organisations from across the area took the opportunity to support Butterwick Hospice.

The fundraiser, which was held at The Fork in the Road restaurant in Middlesbrough, was jointly organised by Teesside businessman Andy Preston, Paul Gibson of Active Chartered Financial Planners and Graham Robb of Recognition PR.

Nearly £2000 was raised for the hospice, which has 10 In-patient beds in Stockton, two other premises in the North East, and offers a wide range of supportive day services for people suffering life limiting illnesses and provides care as well for support to patients’ families.

Mr Houchen said: “The work of the Butterwick Hospice is one of the best examples of the contribution of voluntary organisations across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“I am delighted that dozens of local businesses have active support at this event.”

Mr Preston said: The business community are getting behind a great local charity - it’s a pleasure for The Fork in the Road to have hosted them.”

Mr Robb added: “The backing people have given the Butterwick Hospice has been genuinely heart-warming.”