A YORK shop has raised £2,700 for a children's hospice by charging for carrier bags.

Home Values in Acomb asked customers for a 5p donation to Martin House Hospice in return for a bag, in a scheme launched by shop managers Sharon Egan and Andrea Goose two years ago.

Hospice community fundraiser Becky Nicholson said: “What Sharon, Andrea and the staff have done is simply amazing."

Sharon said: “Plenty of customers like to donate more because they know it’s for a good cause. They sometimes put a pound in the collection tin.”

Martin House cares for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across West, North and East Yorkshire. Its care includes respite stays at the hospice, support in people’s own homes, as well as emergency and end of life care.

It also supports the whole family, with groups for parents, brothers and sisters and grandparents, along with bereavement support.

Home Values has been supported in their fundraising by the nearby Martin House charity shop, with manager Carol Atkinson collecting the carrier bag money each month.

Sharon added: “Carol makes it so easy for us, she collects the money and we receive a colourful certificate from the hospice to show our customers.”

Martin House is hoping other small retailers will support it by introducing a similar scheme. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact the fundraising team on 01937 844569 or email appeal@martinhouse.org.uk.