VOLUNTEERS have been praised after a Christmas fundraising drive made £2,100 for charity.

Members of Bishop Auckland Methodist Church, built a Nativity scene which was placed in the Morrison's supermarket in the town during the Christmas period.

Two of the congregation manned the crib on a rota basis over the four days to ask shoppers for donations to the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

A cheque for £2,100 was recently presented to Patrick Ralph, of the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

He said: "We would like to thank all the members of the church involved for the time and effort put in especially over such a busy time.

"Thanks also to all who gave to such a worthwhile cause."