AN afternoon tea party has helped raise hundreds of pounds for Bury Hospice thanks to a huge community effort.

Tesco Bury, based at Woodfield Retail Park, joined forces with Bury Christian Fellowship, at Manna House, Irwell Street, to host the event as part of the hospice's annual Corporate Challenge.

Store manager Chris Stewart decided to enter the challenge after learning that the hospice must make thousands of pounds each week to open a bed.

Nigel Thompson, church leader at Bury Christian Fellowship, and one of Tesco's food connection charities, heard about the endeavour and decided to help.

The afternoon tea was held at Bury Christian Fellowship at 2pm on Sunday.

Tesco community champion Wendy Howarth said: "The day was absolutely brilliant, from start to finish.

"Ladies from the church made lots of absolutely beautiful cakes. Tesco Bury brought cakes and made sandwiches and our customers also helped by doing some baking.

"We had an auction and live music from David and Matt Woodman who kindly performed for free.

"The event was extremely well organised and was enjoyed by everyone. The community spirit in the room was something else. Everyone was dancing, the room was buzzing.

"I can't thank Nigel and Lucy from Bury Christian Fellowship enough. Without them we couldn’t have done the event and raised so much money.

"The event raised a massive £1,230."

Tesco has now planned several future events, including a Peel Tower abseil, Bury 10k Run, ladies night, car boot sale and more in order to raise funds for the hospice.