A SUPERMARKET has raised thousands of pounds for a nearby community centre, thanks to generous donations from staff and customers.

Over the last 12 months Sainsbury’s in Sedgefield has raised just over £2,000 for Trimdon Village Hall, the store’s charity of the year.

As well as staging a tombola and a book sale, staff helped redecorate the much-used community facility and donated old Christmas decorations.

Geoff Appleton, treasure of Trimdon Village Hall Committee, said: “For a big retailer like Sainsbury’s to confirm a year’s partnership with us was just incredible news.

“I remember getting the phone-call and having a big grin on my face. We had our first meeting shortly after and we worked up some great ideas that we hoped would create great feedback with the store’s customers and colleagues”.

Victoria Tiffin, PR ambassador at Sainsbury’s in Sedgefield, said: “Our colleagues have really enjoyed working with Trimdon Village Hall. It certainly touched their hearts.”

Nominations are now sought for the next Sainsbury’s Local Charity of the Year and can be made in store or at sainsburys.co.uk/localcharity.

A shortlist of nominations will then be drawn up and the three finalists will be invited into store to talk about how Sainsbury’s can support them.

The chosen charity will be revealed in July.