A DYING woman was so touched by the care she received at a hospice that she left thousands of pounds to the charity in her will.

Kathleen Banks, 87, of Elton Road, Darlington, who died in October from skin cancer, pledged £20,000 to the town's St Teresa's Hospice.

Her friend and executor of her will, Allan Newman, said Miss Banks, who had worked as matron at Polam Hall School, enjoyed her time at St Teresa's because it brought back childhood memories.

"Her mother and aunt worked for Todds Drapers, which was on the corner of Crown Street and Northgate," he said.

"At the time, when Kathleen was a little girl, the Todds lived at The Woodlands, the house now occupied by St Teresa's. They invited staff and children to the house for teas, and little Kathleen would be told to go out and play in the grounds," he said.

"She always said that she was frightened because the grounds were so big."

Jane Bradshaw, hospice director, said: "This is fantastic. This kind of donation makes a big difference to us, because it helps us to plan ahead and goes towards the direct running costs of the charity.

"We need the money to maintain the premises and employ specialist staff to provide excellent care."

The hospice works with local solicitors to offer an annual "make a free will" scheme, in the hope some people will pledge money to St Teresa's, which cares for people from County Durham and North Yorkshire.

For more information contact the hospice on (01325) 254321.