A CHIPPY in Greenodd has shown just how generous a community can be after it raised hundreds of pounds in donations for a hospice.

Crakeside Fish and Chips has found a simple way of raising money for a charity close to their hearts.

After asking for a donation when customers wanted a plastic fork or bag, they have managed to raise more than £600 for St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston.

Ken Burrows , 59, who has owned the much-loved chip shop for the past nine years has a history of raising money for charity.

This time, they decide to do something a bit different from the standard collection tin. He said: "We don't charge for forks or carrier bags, but we said, if you want to donate to St Mary's, that would be gratefully received."

What started off as a small idea quickly turned out to be a hit. Mr Burrows was amazed with how well it was received, he said: "We never gave it any thought when we did it, but it just kept filling up."

St Mary's is a charity which has touched the lives of many people across the South Lakes - Mr Burrows and his staff are no exception.

He said: "One of our staff, her husband Steve spent some time in there; it's one way to give back."

Mr Burrows said it was not only regulars who donated money, it was common for people who were visiting for the day to pop some money in their collection.

He said: "We've done nothing to tell people, just put up a little notice on the counter. Not all of the people (who give) are local. You never know when you might need St Mary's."

St Mary's were grateful for the small, but significant donation made by the chippy.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Thanks so much to Linda Perkins for calling in at St Mary's and sharing Crakeside's fundraising news. Through an idea from owner Ken and inspired in loving memory of Linda's husband Stephen Perkins, who sadly died four years ago, they have raised a whopping £600.

"This means that we can provide more than 26 hours of care, or 142 hearty breakfasts for patients. Linda says the care here was 'fabulous and so caring', remembering one of our staff Helen as being a wonderful as part of that care. Thank you so much for your donation."

The shop is still collecting money in a tin on the counter, and has no plans of stopping as long as the money keeps coming.

You can find out more about the work of St Mary's by visiting their Facebook page, or their website at www.stmaryshospice.org.uk.

Read more about St Mary's:

A young woman was inspired to become a carer due to the kindness of the staff she met at St Mary's

Curry and beer was on the menu at a red hot fundraising night