STAFF from the aerospace division of a global supplier of paints, coatings, and speciality materials walked nearly 30 miles to raise money for charity.

The 11 members of PPG, in Shildon, were among hundreds to take part in the 26.8-mile Mighty Hike from Alnwick to Bamburgh this summer.

In July the group, dubbed the PPG Pacesetters, raised £4,346 for chosen charity partner for the second year running, Macmillan Cancer Support.

Kevin Mitchell, environmental health and safety manager, who took part, said: “The team toughed it out because they were doing it for a charity they believed in.”

The money will be match-funded by the firm which has 140 factories world-wide.

Mr Mitchell added: “We do a lot of different things. We decided two to three years ago we wanted to get known in the community and have since bought a netball team track-suits, painted a cricket club and last September helped in the Pioneering Care Partnership’s (in Newton Aycliffe) therapy garden.”

The team will continue to support Macmillan with a number of charitable events including raffles and bake off competitions.