A FESTIVE fundraising initiative came to an end yesterday, and organisers hailed it a big success.

The Reverend Robert Williams, of St Cuthbert's Church, Darlington, blessed the Giving to Life tributes left on the St Teresa's Hospice Christmas tree, in the town's Cornmill Centre, before it was taken down.

Over the holiday period, shoppers had made donations to the hospice's Giving to Life appeal in exchange for writing their personal seasonal messages, to be hung on the tree.

Hospice director Jane Bradshaw said: "This has been a hugely successful initiative for the hospice, both for fundraising and for the community as a whole.

"Many hundreds of people took the opportunity to write a special Christmas message and I would like to thank everybody who took the time to either help with the tree or to donate money to the hospice."

Looking forward to the new year, Ms Bradshaw said: "This is a crucial time for the hospice. We have announced that we will open our in-patient unit after Easter.

"This is something of a calculated risk, but we hope that through the support of many good people and organisations locally, we will be able to sustain this important addition to our 'hospice at home' and day care services."