SHOPPERS, workers and slimmers in Darlington joined forces to raise almost £1,000 for charity as part of the recent Shades for a Day appeal.

People paid a donation to Guide Dogs for the Blind for wearing sunglasses all day as they went about their business.

Guides and Scouts helped to collect £552 from shoppers at the Marks and Spencer store, and workers at the Abbey National Bank raised £125, a sum that was matched by their employer. Members of Slimming World, who meet at the Dolphin Centre, raised £60.

The fundraising day in Darlington was organised by Christine Kay, who is registered blind.

Mrs Kay and her guide dog, Fran, attended each event.

She said: "I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported the day and gave generously to the charity."