CHESHIRE Oaks Designer Outlet has helped to raise more than £45,000 for Claire House Children’s Hospice.

The McArthurGlen outlet and Mitchell Group partnered the charity during the festive season.

The lighting of Britain’s tallest Christmas tree was in support of Claire House and youngsters from the hospice flicked the switch to turn on thousands of bulbs.

As well as fundraising on the evening, there was a raffle for one ticket holder to win a Skoda Citigo SE.

The vehicle, worth £10,000 and donated by Mitchell Group, was Linda Irvine, from Birkenhead. She is a regular supporter of Claire House, having participated in many sponsored events and volunteering for an organisation which looks after carers.

Brian Handley, centre manager at McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “As well as the tree lighting event and in-store promotions in the run-up to Christmas, we wanted to give something back to the community.

“Claire House is a great cause and we are delighted to have helped raise so much to enable them to continue their valuable work for local families across the region.”

Mark Mitchell, group managing director at Mitchell Group, added: “Christmas is such a special time for families, and our joint promotion with Cheshire Oaks and Claire House has given visitors a fresh opportunity to think about others and give so generously to support the amazing work that goes on.

“It has been an immense privilege for my entire team to continue ‘walking the journey’ with Claire House.”

Abi Smith, Claire House fundraising manager for Cheshire, added: “The car raffle has been a fantastic way to give a little something back to our supporters.

“We’re overwhelmed by how generous people have been, often purchasing dozens of tickets to support Claire House.”