A HOSPICE fundraiser has collected his 500,00th 5p piece in aid of the cause.

Ian Watt started collecting 5ps for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham City, ten years ago, following a conversation with his granddaughter.

They are now coming in at a rate of 8,000 to 10,000 a month, from an army of relatives, friends and others.

Mr Watt, of Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, said: “Hundreds of people are collecting 5ps for me but they all know every last one of the coins is going to St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

“That’s what keeps up the momentum and gets more people involved.

“I get a real buzz from collecting just one 5p. To reach 500,000 is brilliant. I’m now going for a million. They are coming in faster and faster.

“Kids throw them away. It’s a coin people hate. Last year, I picked up £30.50 in 5p pieces.”

The 67-year-old retired technologist with Dunlop in Washington, said his wife is now so tired of hearing him say “5p” that she insists he calls them “half tens” at home.

Hospice chief executive Paul Marriott said: “Every 5p collected is one more step towards raising the money we need to provide hospice care to the people of County Durham.

“Ian is an inspiration to us all and reminds us that it really is true: if you look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves.”