TEESDALE chocoholics helped raised more than £600 for the Great North Air Ambulance as part of an Easter competition run by a Barnard Castle confectionery shop.
Hundreds of chocolate lovers bought tickets to win the mouth-watering prize of a 6kg chocolate egg worth £200 in the raffle organised by Chocolate Fayre, in Market Place.
Owner Kenny Walker said he was overwhelmed by the response to the competition, which he has run on five previous occasions.
He added: “We didn’t run the competition last year, but the amount of support we have had this year has been amazing as it is such a great cause. It’s probably the most successful one we have run yet.
“We’re really grateful to all our customers for taking part especially as it is such a good cause.
“I think we have in excess of £600 going on the ticket sales, but lots of people were donating cash as well.”
The lucky winner whose ticket was plucked out of the hat was Phil Ryan, from Boldron. Dr Ryan said he enjoyed chocolate as much as the next person, however, had decided to donate the egg to the Butterwick Children’s Hospice in Stockton. He said: “I’m sure the egg will be delicious but I think rather than get ill from eating too much I am sure there will be lots of youngsters at the hospice who will appreciate it.”
