AN aggregates company is helping to raise vital funds for St Teresa's Hospice this Christmas.

Workers at the Brompton on Swale-based Shire Aggregates have donated a £1,500 top prize for the Darlington hospice's Christmas raffle this year.

A second prize of £750 and a third prize of £250 are also to be won in the draw, which will take place on Christmas Eve.

And Shire staff have all been bought a ticket for Christmas meaning the company's contribution to the hospice has been two-fold.

Shire Aggregates’ managing director Jonathan Simpson said: “As a thank you for their hard work this year we have given tickets to all our members of staff, who will also have the opportunity to purchase further tickets.

"We wanted to give something back and what would be better than winning some much-needed money at this time of year?”

Shire Aggregates also pledged their support to the hospice, which must raise over £3 million each year to provide vital care and support services for the people of South Durham and North Yorkshire, by donating the top prize for its first ever cash raffle.

Mr Simpson said: “We have supported the hospice behind the scenes attending events for many years but following a visit earlier this year we took the decision to offer direct support where we can. The Christmas raffle is a fantastic way of raising money for the hospice.”

Chief Executive of St Teresa’s Hospice Jane Bradshaw said: “This raffle will not only raise vital funds for St Teresa’s Hospice but will also give our lucky winners an early Christmas gift.

"It’s wonderful that Shire Aggregates have not only sponsored the top prize but they have also rewarded their employees by giving them tickets for the draw. We would encourage other local organisations to get in touch if they can get involved.”

Tickets for the prize draw are on sale now and cost just £1 each, available from St Teresa’s Hospice and its ten retail outlets.

The draw will take place at 1pm on December 24.