A CHARITY has received an early Christmas present thanks to the generosity of visitors at a family fun day by a local bus operator.

Staff at Stagecoach North East’s Stockton bus depot handed over a cheque for £1,000 to Daisy Chain, which supports children with autism and their families.

On the day there were activities and games, including riding through a bus wash and getting a name on the bus destination screen, which proved very popular and helped to raise £826.83, which the company made up to £1,000.

The cheque was collected by Daisy Bear, the charity mascot, and Tom Burke, outreach worker and fundraiser.

Kirsty Barnfather, the charity's events co-ordinator, said: “We would like to thank everybody who contributed during the open day. The support of the public of Teesside is absolutely vital in ensuring we can continue to provide the support and services that are so badly needed by the families that rely on us.”

Shelley Usher, the bus firm's operations manager at the Teesside depot, said: “We were delighted with the response from the general public and their kindness and thank them so much for the contributions, which I am sure will make a valuable difference to the charity. The family fun day was a fantastic event and very well attended, and has helped to support to a well loved charity on our doorstep.”