Soldiers have been showing they care about their local community by adopting their local hospice.

The 1st Battalion the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, based at Catterick Garrison, has been raising cash for St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington.

At a ceremony in Alma Barracks yesterday Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Davies MBE presented hospice director Jane Bradshaw and trustee Mary Lovell with a cheque for more than £3,200.

The money was raised through a variety of activities, including a gruelling 130km sponsored run from the regimental HQ in Preston, and a gala musical evening at the Zetland Christian Community Centre in Richmond.

Mrs Bradshaw said that St Teresa's was very grateful to the battalion for its efforts on its behalf, and delighted that the soldiers intend to continue the adoption during their stay at Catterick.