KIND-HEARTED fund-raisers at a high street store have clubbed together to help raise money towards building a hospice for sick children from Wyre Forest.

Staff at Kidderminster's Marks & Spencer have spent two years raising money towards the building of the Acorns Hospice in Worcester.

Their efforts have culminated in the presentation of a cheque for £11,500, which is to be doubled by their company.

The cash will go towards the £4 million centre to help Wyre Forest families who currently travel to Birmingham.

Events included a sponsored walk at Bodenham Arboretum, a musical evening, dance and a cream tea in an employee's garden.

M&S sales and stock adviser Lyn Hardiman, who organised the charity events with three of her colleagues, said they had chosen the charity because they wanted to put something back into the community.

"A lot of us are parents and grandparents and are grateful our own children are healthy, so this is our way of putting a little bit back into the community," she said.

"It's been hard work but Acorns have worked with us all the way.

"A few of us went to a hospice that's already open in Selly Oak and some of us are actually going to the Worcester site to see what's going on there."

The charity has already raised £2.5 million towards the centre, which it hopes will be open by the end of next year.

l Top marks: human resources adviser Elaine Mills and stock adviser Rose Owen are pictured celebrating their fund-raising success.