A PICKERING couple has raised more than £600 for two charities close to their heart.

Phil and Ros Hopkinson, owners of Helmsley Outdoors, produced Scenes of North Yorkshire Charity Calendar 2021 in aid of Marie Curie and Ryedale Special Families.

The couple decided to produce a fundraising calendar to support the two charities during the coronavirus pandemic, which has massively affected the charity sector.

The couple's daughter, Emma Hopkinson, has worked for Ryedale Special Families for a number of years and Marie Curie supported the family when Phil's father was suffering with cancer.

"We have managed to raise the grand total of £600 which will be divided equally between Marie Curie Cancer care and Ryedale Special Families," said Phil.

"With the help of Pickering Post Office and Reed's newsagents in Pickering we have been finally able to sell the last few copies."

The calendar images were taken by Phil, his son Christopher Hopkinson and Mike Wilson, the husband of Philip’s employee.

"We understand how difficult things have been for charitable organisations during the current situation," added Phil.

"We know how much any amount raised, large or small, will be greatly appreciated by the beneficiaries."

Marie Curie provides care to people with terminal illnesses and their families, while Ryedale Special Families offers help to families of children with additional needs.