DONNING jeans has proved to be a money-spinner for local authority staff.

For workers at Hambleton District Council have handed more than £4,000 to 14 different charities by dressing down, holding raffles and baking cakes.

Once a month they wear their jeans to work paying a £1 to do so, while budding bakers top up the funds by selling their homemade cakes.

“Employees are asked to nominate charities to collect for,” said chief executive Dr Justin Ives.

“Some choose charities which are very close to their hearts and often not very well know such Myasthenia Gravis – a long term condition that affects voluntarily controlled muscles and Candlelighters – childrens cancer charity.

“Others chose local charities like Bedale Riding for the Disabled and the Dales School and others prefer the fundraising days for events like Children in Need.

“It’s a great way of helping such worthwhile causes.”