A GROCERY store has handed over almost £1,200 to help a hospice keep caring.

Sainsbury’s Local, in The Avenue, Chester-le-Street, last year chose St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham, as its Charity of the Year.

Staff undertook fundraising that included holding collection days, running a raffle and staging a band night, which netted a total of £1,194 for the hospice.

Angela Weeks, Team Leader and Charity Co-ordinator at Sainsbury’s, said: "Our staff and customers vote for a Charity of the Year and last year St Cuthbert’s Hospice won that vote.

"As a store, we like to support local causes and the hospice means an awful lot to staff and customers alike."

Jade Mcardle, the hospice’s community fundraiser , said: "We were thrilled when Sainsbury’s chose us for the Charity of the Year 2011-2012 and the support we’ve seen from them has been brilliant.

"We’re really pleased to be receiving this great sum of money after their hard work."

The hospice, which is based in the Merryoaks area of Durham, cares for local people who have been affected by life-limiting illnesses such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.

It needs to raise £1.2m each year to continue providing its free services.

For more information about the hospice visit www.stcuthbertshospice.com