A SHOE shop has donated a lawnmower to a charity, pyjamas to a hospice and "mountains of food" to a foodbank to aid North-East causes during coronavirus.

Middlesbrough-based Charles Clinkard has donated thousands of pounds in gifts to charities in the region, which includes a lawnmower and strimmer for Teesside Hospice to reduce maintenance costs, mountains of food for King’s Church Food Bank in Darlington, craft materials for Teesside-based autism charity Daisy Chain and nightwear for St Teresa’s Hospice patients, also in Darlington.

Caroline Todd Manager of King’s Church food bank said: “This donation was a huge blessing – we can help so many more people who have found themselves short of food through no fault of their own.”

Deborah Archer, facilities manager at Teesside Hospice, said the donations meant money that would be spent on maintaining the grounds can be spent elsewhere.

She added: ”These are very challenging times for us and other charities – and although we hope for a quick return to normality there are no guarantees.

“We are very grateful for the support especially when we are aware that retail businesses have been hard hit too.”

Managing director of the family firm, Charles Clinkard, said: “We feel very lucky that we haven’t lost any members of our extended work family and this is our way of saying thanks.

“The hospice is a vital part of the support network in Teesside proving assistance with a caring smile at all times.

“The fact that the hospice can maintain its own grounds means it will save money each month to spend on its valuable work.

“It has been a worrying time and no-one should have the additional anxiety of not having enough food for themselves and their families.

“The food bank is run by volunteers, who do an amazing job for the less well off in the area.”

Charles Clinkard, which has reopened its stores, is offering a discount to NHS staff.