A BANKER swapped his suit for an apron to work in a cafe to raise money for charity.

Chris Simpson, local business manager for Barclays Bank, in Hartlepool, Sedgefield and Billingham, spent an afternoon at the Courtyard Cafe in Sedgefield Community Hospital.

The bank has become involved in a national charity called United Response, which helps people with mental illnesses get back into the community.

Mr Simpson said: "The charity has helped seven people move into a house in Middlesbrough and we are trying to raise funds to get closed-circuit television fitted to give them peace of mind."

The business team has approached its customers and asked them to pay £25 in return for working for them. The bank will then match any money earned and it will all go to the charity.

Brenda Robinson, of the Courtyard Caf, which is also doing outside catering, agreed to employ Mr Simpson in the hospital for an afternoon.

Mr Simpson said: "I've been serving teas, cleaning tables and all that sort of stuff.

"It was really enjoyable and nice to get to see how our customers work. It was also good to get involved in the local community, so we are killing two birds with one stone."