A SHOPPING centre's new mascot made his public debut to hand over a cheque for nearly £2,000 to children's charity Zoe's Place.

Cleveland Croc was joined by Zoe Bear, from the charity, and Middlesbrough FC's Roary the Lion mascot to present the money, which was raised in Middlesbrough's Cleveland Centre over the festive period.

The cash, totalling £1,921, was raised via a series of initiatives including shoppers making donations in return for leaving messages for loved ones on a Christmas Wish Tree and a bucket collection at Santa’s sleigh.

Rachael Willmore, community fundraiser for Zoe’s Place, said: “2016 is all about keeping the doors open because it’s becoming ever-harder to raise the funds needed to operate the baby hospice.

“We know there are so many good causes all after the same pound, so we’re truly grateful to Cleveland Centre and its customers for their generosity. They will help us to continue to look after nearly 30 families from across Teesside and the North-East.”

Centre manager Graeme Skillen said: “In keeping with our slogan of being the Centre of the Community, we’re very proud to be doing our bit for local people who need our help the most.

“Zoe’s Place is a truly incredible organisation, helping babies with life-limiting conditions, so I’m pleased we and Teesside’s shoppers can play our own small part in ensuring it continues to offer such an important and inspiring service.”