A CHARITY has been given a cash boost from a Darlington store, to help it carry out vital work.

Stop2Night, which provides help and support for homeless people, has been given more than £1,000 from Marks and Spencer after a series of collections and fundraising days in the store.

The shop nominated Stop2Night as its annual charity last year, and charity workers say they are very grateful for all their efforts.

Stop2Night offers emergency support for people aged 16 to 25 who find themselves without a roof over their heads. It provides them with emergency accommodation in the homes of volunteer families.

Host families are given £40 a night for providing food and utilities for the people they give accommodation to.

Bridget Chapman, who runs Stop2Night, said the donation was a massive boost for the charity: "We are very grateful we were chosen as Marks and Spencer's charity. The money will really help with our running costs of finding people somewhere to stay," she said.