BANK customers are giving a much-needed helping hand for a hospice which has become their unofficial pet charity.

A cheque for £1,418.36 was handed to officials from St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham, by staff from the city's branch of the Co-op Bank.

It represents the culmination of collections from the sale of hospice sunflower badges, plus soft toys to customers visiting the High Street bank.

Bank clients opening Co-op accounts are also invited to nominate St Cuthbert's Hospice as their chosen charity.

On opening the account £5 goes to the hospice and a small donation is made every time they spend money using the account credit card.

Branch manager Sue Potter said the sale of Easter bunnies, Christmas teds and other soft toys for the hospice was also very popular among bank users.

"They go down very well with the customers. I think it's because St Cuthbert's is such a well-known local charity that they are so willing to help."

Michele Iles, St Cuthbert's community fundraiser, said the hospice has running costs of £400,000 a year, of which £140,000 is provided by health service funding.

"The rest we need to fund- raise through our five charity shops and from voluntary donations. This is why donations like this one from the Co-op are very much appreciated."

The hospice, in Merryoaks, Durham, has offered day-time respite care for 2,000 people with life-threatening illnesses in the Durham and Chester-le-Street areas since opening in 1988.

Run by a board of trustees, it is backed by a team of 360 volunteer helpers across the north of County Durham