VOLUNTEERS have raised more than £2,000 for a cancer charity in the run-up to Christmas.

Marie Curie Cancer Care raised £2,279 from a gift-wrapping service for shoppers over a fortnight at the MetroCentre, in Gateshead.

It was the second year that the charity ran its gift-wrapping service at the centre, more than doubling its 2001 total of £1,111.

A further £1,000 was added by the Visa banking service.

Debbie Parry, of Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: "We are delighted with the results from this year's gift-wrapping service.

"The money raised goes directly into caring for patients with cancer and to help support their families through their difficult period.

"All our services offered from the charity are free, so this funding helps massively."

She said all the proceeds would go to either the Marie Curie Centre in Newcastle, or the Marie Curie community nursing service in the North-East.

MetroCentre marketing manager Karen Carr said: "We are delighted to have been able to support such a worthwhile campaign.

"Almost everyone knows somebody whose life may have been affected by cancer and Marie Curie plays an invaluable role in offering support to them and their families."