CALL centre staff have come to the aid of a cash-strapped baby hospice.

The £4,000 raised by OC5 employees, on the Wilton International site, near Redcar, has led to a specialised cot being bought for the babies' hospice, Zoe's Place, at Normanby, near Middlesbrough.

The cot adjusts to allow more restful breaks for terminally ill children and easier access for nursing staff. According to Joan Stainsby, head of fundraising for Zoe's Place, the equipment will make a big difference.

She said: "We are extremely grateful for the contribution of everyone at OC5. The cot will make a big difference to the children's lives.

"We rely almost entirely on the generosity of local people and local businesses, and contributions like this are vitally important to us."

The hospice, which provides respite, palliative and terminal care for children, from babies to the age of five, has three similar cots, which tend to last around five years before needing to be replaced.

Staff at OC5 raised £3,250 through a collection during an 'Oscars' presentation evening and a wide range of sponsored events. The remaining £750 was donated by British Gas Business.

Now, the team is looking to raise a similar amount by the end of the year to either buy or sponsor another cot for Zoe's Place.

Mike Fleming, OC5 team leader, said: "All the staff think Zoe's Place is a great cause. It's on our doorstep, here at Wilton, and people really got behind the efforts."

OC5, which employs about 160 people, is owned by SembCorp Utilities UK and carries out work on behalf of British Gas Business.