KIND hearted customers at a Hampshire store helped raise £1,000 for charity.

Regulars at The Food Barn in Millbrook dug deep into their pockets to put the money in a bucket at the store.

The money was then taken to a £1,000 total when the store added a further £300 from its takings; all the funds will go to Southampton General Hospital.

To mark the occasion staff at the store in Windermere Avenue got in the festive spirit and dressed up as Christmas characters.

Partner at the Food Barn, Ian Smith, said: “Customers are putting the money in and it is nice to know that they get recognised for having done that.

“The money will help those people at Southampton General Hospital that are away from their families and it will make their stay more enjoyable. “