A BAKERY has raised more than £2,000 for a children’s charity in North Yorkshire.

Thomas The Baker in Helmsley has donated the money to the Martin House Hospice for children and young people by charging 5p for a carrier bag.

The bakery, which has 30 stores across Yorkshire and the North East, sets aside the money paid for any carrier bags within its stores and donates it to a range of local causes.

Chris Chapman, from Thomas the Baker, said: “Martin House is such a wonderful place and it’s always there for people when they need it.

“It can only continue to carry on its important work due to the donations it receives and so it was fantastic to be able to go and hand over the money raised in our stores.

“Although we always try and encourage people to reuse their bags, it is at least good to know that when bags are being purchased, the money adds up and can go and help people within our community when they need it most.”

Martin House, based in Boston Spa, aims to provide family led care for children with life shortening conditions.