RETAIL managers from the North-East swapped the shop floor for an assault course to raise money for charity.

Since the start of the year, customers of The Body Shop in Darlington’s Cornmill Shopping Centre have raised almost £2,500 for the store’s nominated charity, Teenage Cancer Trust.

To show her appreciation for the ongoing support of the customers, and to make her own contribution to the charity, store manager Hannah Chiarella completed Tough Mudder - a gruelling 12-mile obstacle race - to raise additional funds for the cause.

Ms Chiarella, from Newcastle, was joined by Body Shop regional manager Lisa Shaw as they ploughed through mud and clambered over obstacles at the Yorkshire leg of the demanding Tough Mudder contest in Skipton.

They successfully completed the course and raised nearly £1,000 for the Trust.

Ms Chiarella, who trained for the event for several months, said: “I was quite apprehensive going into it but it was a really fun event and I definitely plan on doing it again.

“Everyone helped each other over the obstacles and there was a real sense of camaraderie.

“We’re delighted to have raised such a significant amount for Teenage Cancer Trust which carries out such valuable work.

“Shoppers at the Cornmill continue to show their generosity and we’re very grateful for their ongoing support.”