GENEROUS staff at Northwich Marks and Spencer have raised thousands of pounds for a well-loved Cheshire charity.

More than 80 employees at the Leicester Street branch collected more than £3,000 for St Luke’s Hospice as part of their annual bid to support a local cause.

From cake bakes and silent auctions, to pub entertainment nights and tombolas, colleagues have racked up an impressive £3,346.83 between them for the palliative care charity which supports local people affected by life-threatening illness.

Julie Weightman, section manager for clothing and homeware, is incredibly proud of her work mates’ efforts.

Julie, from Winsford, has worked for the company for 23 years – the past two of which have been in Northwich – and says she is always amazed by how staff keep coming up with ideas and support.

She said: “In addition to the public fundraising we do for charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, all stores are encouraged to support a local charity too. For the past two years ours has been St Luke’s.

“It’s great that we can support charities that are in our community as well as national causes. St Luke’s means a lot to so many of the people who work here, a lot of staff know someone or are related to someone who’ve been supported so it’s really lovely to be able to help.

“I’m amazed by the good will that just keeps coming, it’s absolutely lovely.”