FUNDRAISING was left to lady luck as a college transformed itself into a charity casino to raise funds for a popular cause.

Darlington College staff brought a touch of Las Vegas to its Glasshouse restaurant in support of St Teresa’s Hospice.

Businesses from across the borough, including staff from hotels, were asked to spin the roulette wheel and place their bets, take to the card table and go ‘higher or lower’, using ‘funny money’ to beat the odds.

Catering tutors and students prepared and served a feast of canapes while guests enjoyed the activities and shopped from a display of calendars, Christmas cards and natural therapies prepared by hospice specialists and used by patients, including essential oils, burns gel, soothing fragrances and room and pillow sprays.

Hospice fundraising and marketing manager John Paul Stabler said: “We work closely with the college on a range of matters, from fundraising to apprenticeships, and were thrilled when they offered to stage an event like this.

“As well as raising much needed proceeds, it also allows us to spread the word about the work of the Darlington and District Hospice movement.”

Darlington shoppers were also treated to a Yuletide treat courtesy of the hospice after being flash-mobbed by the charity's choir.

St Teresa's Hospice Chour members posed as shoppers before bursting into song in a festive flash-mob at Darlington Sainsbury’s.

The choir had the public singing and dancing in the aisles as they delivered a tuneful repertoire of festive favourites accompanied by Peter Bradshaw on acoustic guitar and James Hughes on bass guitar.

Generous visitors responded well with donations totalling more than £130 as volunteers shook their St Teresa’s Hospice collection buckets throughout the impromptu 30-minute performance.

Hospice chief executive and choir director Jane Bradshaw said: “The flash-mob worked really well and it was a delight to see the happy expressions of surprise on people’s faces.

“Once again the choir was in fine voice and everyone had a great time while raising valuable funds for the local hospice.”

Darlington College marketing and engagement manager Claire Turner added: “We pride ourselves on being at the heart of the community and were only too pleased to support such a great cause as St Teresa’s Hospice."