A CHARITY shop celebrated its fifth birthday with a party at the weekend.

St Cuthbert's Hospice's charity shop in Claypath, Durham City, marked the occasion with tea, coffee and cakes on Saturday.

There was also a sale of jewellery, from modern to antique pieces.

The event was held to thank customers for their support over the past five years.

Two months ago, The Northern Echo teamed up with St Cuthbert's Hospice to launch the Key Appeal, a campaign to build a £3.2m extension which would provide round-the-clock specialist palliative care for terminally-ill patients.

At the last count, £36,200 had been donated from the initial round of fundraising, which has left organisers overwhelmed by the reaction from members of the public.