HEALTH centre staff have decided not to send traditional Christmas cards this year - to help victims of domestic abuse.

Nurses, administrative staff and emergency care practitioners at the Darlington Primary Care Trust centre donated cash instead and raised £105 for the town's women's refuge.

On top of the cash boost, modern matron Nicola Wharton, her mother Maureen Wharton, aunt Freda Johnson and neighbour Deborah Bell bought sacks of presents for women and children at the centre.

"One in four women are affected by domestic violence and many have to flee their homes in the middle of the night to find somewhere safe," Miss Wharton said.

"This is a particularly difficult time with the stresses and strains of Christmas, increased alcohol consumption during the festive season and perpetrators at home on holiday rather than at work.

"Victims often arrive at the refuge with nothing, so I thought it would be nice to provide them with toiletries, night clothes, underwear, and toys and books for the children. When we considered how many cards we would end up sending to each other at the walk-in centre and that the money could be better spent, everyone was happy to make a donation instead."