HEALTH workers are counting their coppers to help raise funds for a local hospice.

The team in the child health department at Chester-le-Street Community Hospital has been raising money for St Cuthbert's Hospice, in Durham City, and has been inundated with offers of help from workmates.

The fundraising started at Christmas, when colleagues in the department suggested filling a sweet jar full of coppers to help the hospice.

So much money rolled in that the first jar is now full and the appeal is being widened around the whole hospital from next week. Organisers hope to keep the collection going throughout the year.

They are also organising a prize draw, with colleagues donating unwanted Christmas presents alongside donations from local companies.

So far, more than 30 prizes have been donated, ranging from a food hamper to pampering products.

Tickets are priced £1 and the draw will take place over the next few weeks.

Clerical officers Barbara Poulton and Dorothy Worrall are counting the coppers as they come in.

Barbara said: "Originally we were chatting at Christmas about how we could help the hospice, and Dorothy said she would bring the sweet jar in. We filled it up and it has just snowballed from there."