STAFF at Redditch's Tesco Extra Store have lent their support to the vital work the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre does by raising more than £10,000 for the charity

Primrose Hospice was delighted to accept a cheque from the store for £10,270 from the Coldfield Drive's fund-raising activities during 2004.

As part of the Tesco "Time to Care" appeal, the 2004 Charity of the Year partnership between Tesco and Help the Hospices, the Redditch store decided to raise money for the Primrose at the Princess appeal.

The staff have been involved in a variety of activities through the 12 months to raise the much-needed funds and the Tesco Charity Trust has added 20 per cent to their efforts.

Debbie Cull, customer services manager at the store, said: "The staff always support charitable appeals but with it being our local hospice, they were keener than ever to help out.

"Over the course of the year, we've had a great time raising money through balls, raffles, trolley pushes, a football match and a barbecue.

"Knowing the money was going to be spent helping our local patients was a great incentive."

Lorraine Hart, Primrose's fund-raising manager, said: "It's is amazing how much energy the staff at the Redditch store have put into their fund-raising efforts during the year.

"They have been great people to work with and we're grateful for all they've done to help our very worthwhile cause.

"On behalf of all our patients, we'd like to thank them for all their hard work - mostly done in their own time".