A CHARITY for terminally ill people has received thousands of pounds in aid thanks to two fundraising drives.

St Teresa's Hospice, in Woodland Road, Darlington, has received almost £5,000 from the efforts of London Marathon runner Ian Hughes, and a joint Easter fundraising event by Barclays Bank and the town's Queen Street Shopping Centre.

Mr Hughes completed the marathon in three hours and 31 minutes. Sponsorship and the proceeds of a raffle enabled him to present a cheque for more £1,500 to the hospice.

The hospice also received another cheque yesterday, from representatives of Barclays Bank and the Queen Street Shopping Centre, which held an Easter egg tombola.

Barclays Bank agreed to match the money raised, taking the total to more than £3,000.

Jane Bradshaw, hospice director, said: "This is a magnificent contribution to the hospice funds by the Queen Street Centre, Barclays Bank and Ian's sterling efforts.

"Every penny will be used to support the invaluable work the hospice does in the local community."