A CHARITY golf day has raised more than £10,000 for three local charities.

The event, held at Wynyard Golf Club, near Billingham, attracted 26 teams from across the region making thousands of pounds for Butterwick Hospice, Hartlepool & District Hospice and autism charity, Daisy Chain.

The Vela Group has built on the success of the charity initiative with its third annual golf day raising even more money than last year.

Chairman Mike Clark said: “The charity golf day has proved to be yet another great success. In 2011 the first event held raised £8,000 and since then we have managed to increase this total year upon year.

“Thanks to the generosity of local firms, we have raised much needed funds for very worthwhile causes that are making an important contribution to their local communities.”

Both hospices provide services free of charge and rely heavily on voluntary contributions from the public.

Carol Sennett, corporate fundraiser at Hartlepool and District Hospice, said: “Support of this kind is crucial to our organisation and the money raised will be used to fund the specialist care services we provide to patients and their families.”

Victoria Rogers, events fundraiser at Butterwick Hospice, said: “It is lovely to see so many people come together to enjoy a day of golf, the competition of the teams and the willingness of people’s generosity to help us raise as much money as possible.”

Daisy Chain is a charity which addresses the needs of children on the autistic spectrum and their families.

Justine Johnson, corporate fundraiser, added: “We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and the money raised at the golf day will go towards our work with families affected by autism in the Tees Valley."