MARKS & Spencer's staff who nominated the Hospice of the Good Shepherd as their 2003 Charity of the Year have raised a fortune to help the centre.

Jean Turner, charity co-ordinator, led the fundraising committee to raise £21,000 throughout the year.

Activities included sitting in a bath of custard in the store, quiz nights, party nights, bag-packing, a sponsored walk, in-store sales, fashion show and department competitions.

Hospice fundraiser Amanda Le Bretton said: 'The funds have been used to purchase two new hospice vans, which will be used to support our four charity shops and depot by delivering and collecting all sorts of donated goods.

'As our existing van was so old and in a state of disrepair, we are so grateful to M&S for allowing us to use the funds in such a valuable way, we will now be able to raise further funds for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

'Our vans will also assist the hospice social worker and occupational therapist to deliver aids and equipment to patients' homes to enable them to be cared for at home if they so wish.

'The fundraising department and hospice lottery will also benefit from the purchase of the vans to collect and deliver large items and equipment to events throughout the year.'

She added: 'We would like to thank all the staff at M&S for their dedication and hard work throughout 2003, in particular Paul Lancaster, Jean Turner and all the members of the M&S charity committee.'