PEOPLE booking their holidays had a surprise when they called in to one Durham travel agents yesterday.

For instead of wearing their usual smart uniforms, staff at Travelcare in North Road, Durham, came to work in their pyjamas as part of a fundraising effort for a housing charity.

The Co-operative Group, of which Travelcare is a part, is backing Shelter's Million Children campaign, which aims to end bad housing for children across the country. The group hopes to raise £500,000 for the campaign with events like yesterday's, in which customers were invited to give sponsorship.

Branch manager Karen Maddison said: "There's a serious message behind the fun. More than one million children live in bad housing in the UK. That robs them of their health, a decent education and a fair chance in life.

"Travelcare wants to play its part in putting an end to this and we will be asking customers to give us their support to help build a better future for the next generation.''

Shelter director Adam Sampson said: "We're thrilled that Travelcare has chosen to support us. The money will go straight back into the local community and will make a real difference to vulnerable children.''