A CLOTHING firm has reached the halfway mark in its aim to raise £1m for the Help For Heroes recovery centre, Phoenix House.

Cotton Traders has been raising funds for Phoenix House since 2011 through its sale of co-branded Help for Heroes t-shirts, shirts and jogging trousers.

Centre Manager, Mo Usman, returned from a corporate golf day organised by Cotton Traders at a venue close to its Cheshire headquarters with a cheque for £509,000.

The money is being used to equip the gym at Phoenix House which plays a huge role in the road to recovery of wounded, injured and sick servicemen, women and veterans.

Ten per cent of the sale price of each item sold is donated to the charity.

Cotton Traders also holds various fundraiser events throughout its network of stores, which include one at Dalton Park Shopping Outlet near Seaham.

Mr Usman said he was delighted to accept such a significant amount from Cotton Traders.

He added: “Since partnering Help for Heroes in 2011, Cotton Traders has worked tirelessly to support our cause.

“They’re always looking for ways in which they can help us and raise funds. We look forward to their continued support and seeing their donation go to great use helping those who have put their lives on their line for our country.”