A Chester-le-Street building society branch has helped raise £1,200 for the children’s charity Variety.

The Leeds Building Society, at 144 Front Street, was one of several branches that sold special edition Gold Heart badges featuring Star Wars fan favourites C-3PO and R2-D2, for a suggested donation of £1.

The campaign coincided with the 3D release of 'Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace,' in cinemas last month. Helen Bournat, Variety’s Head of Fundraising, said, "Leeds Building Society was the only financial organisation where the Gold Hearts could be purchased and the £1,200 raised, via a combined effort in Chester-le-Street and across all the society's branches, will go towards raising vital funds for Variety.

"We are dedicated to improving the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children, and the funds raised by Leeds Building Society will help us meet the special needs of more children in Chester-le-Street and across the UK."

Branch manager Coleen Davie, said: "This campaign caught the imagination of our staff and customers in Chester-le-Street as the new 3D Star Wars film was released in cinemas.

"We are very pleased that we have been able to contribute to the Society's overall fundraising total of £1,200 for Variety."