STAFF at The Northern Echo have worked up a sweat to raise money for charity.

The newspaper's advertising department took part in an "office to athlete" challenge in aid of St Teresa's Hospice.

The challenge took place on Saturday at Physique Fitness in Darlington between The Northern Echo and the Model T pub.

It consisted of challenges such as longest plank, step ups, knee ups, press ups and 1,000m rowing.

The advertising staff won the step up, 1,000 metre row and knees up challenges leading them to take a 3-2 victory against the opposition.

Rebecca Postgate, telesales executive, said: “We decided to do the challenge for the second year running because we did it last year and had a really good laugh and we wanted to show our support for St Teresa’s Hospice with it being a much-loved charity in Darlington.

“We had so much fun this year and we’re already planning to take part next year.”

Each team went through a six-week health-programme with free gym classes, training and one-to-one regimes to whip them into shape before competing.

The fund-raising total is yet to be calculated but the advertising team are hoping to smash last year’s total of £2,200.