GENEROUS customers and staff at two York branches of an independent restaurant chain have helped raise more than £2,500 for charity.

Ambiente Tapas' Charity of the Month campaign is a program set up to raise funds and awareness for good causes by asking customers to contribute to its charity that month. Staff chat to diners about the cause, and an optional £1 donation is added to their bill. Ambiente adds an additional £500 to each charity every month.

During the month of March, its restaurants in Goodramgate and Fossgate have raised a total of £2,521.

Staff at the Fossgate branch chose York Teaching Hospital Charity in memory of John Osmond Breen, a friend of restaurant manager Jim Barber. Customers raised £1,048 for the cause, which added to Ambiente’s contribution made a total of £1,548.

A spokesperson for Ambiente said: "£1,548 has been raised by Ambiente Fossgate on behalf of the Breen family in loving memory of John Osmond Breen.

"We know the money raised for York Teaching Hospital Charity will continue to ensure the best quality of care is provided and will enhance the hospital environment for patients and their family. Thanks to all our customers for their continued support for our charity of the month campaign."

Ambiente Goodramgate’s focus was the children's charity, NSPCC.

York foodies donated £493 to the charity, and with Ambiente’s top-up donation, the NSPCC received £993.