STAFF at a factory in Darlington have raised £25,000 for charity.

Magnet presented the National Autistic Society (NAS) with a cheque yesterday.

The money was raised by donating £1 for every home survey booked by its customers during its last sale campaign. More than 24,000 home surveys were booked and Magnet rounded the donation up to £25,000.

The money will go towards running the society's Volunteer Befriending Scheme, which provides respite and support for families and individuals affected by autism.

Group managing director Gary Favell presented the cheque to Claire Strachan, the society's regional fundraising manager.

He said: "We are delighted to be supporting the NAS this year and would like to thank everyone who booked a home-survey with us. I would also like to thank Magnet colleagues for their continued fundraising efforts."

Mrs Strachan said: "We would like to thank everyone at Magnet for their support this year and for their home survey donation. This will help support the invaluable work carried out by our Volunteer Befriending Scheme."

The National Autistic Society is Magnet's chosen charity for this year and the company is hoping to raise more than £100,000. To date, Magnet has raised more than £50,000.