STAFF from job centres across Northumberland walked and cycled almost 100 miles to complete the St Oswald's Way route in memory of a colleague cared for at St Oswald's Hospice.

St Oswald's Way is a long-distance walking route which spans from Holy Island in the north of the county, following the Northumberland coastline before moving inland and across the countryside to Heavenfield, near Chollerford.

Offices from the seven job centres involved are appropriately positioned along the route, spanning from Berwick to Hexham to Cramlington.

The group raised over £2,800 for St Oswald's Hospice.

Jennifer Burn, work coach team leader at Hexham job centre, said: "When we realised that there was a long distance walk through Northumberland that linked all of our offices it was an obvious choice for us.

"Volunteers shared the total distance of 97 miles by covering an average of 15 miles each.

"Cyclists Andrew Hall and Katherine Patrick successfully covered 30 miles, overcoming a broken bike en-route by calling Katherine's husband to do a mercy dash with a replacement bike!"

Allison Gill, customer services leader for Jobcentre Plus in Northumberland added: "Every single member of team Northumberland contributed to this fantastic fundraising effort, from the dedicated walkers and cyclists, to those who participated in additional fundraising events such as selling cakes."

Ann Small, work coach team leader at Morpeth job centre said: "A very dear colleague was supported by St Oswald's for end of life care so we really wanted to help them with our fundraising. They offer a fantastic service for our communities."

St Oswald's Hospice relies on support from people across the North-East to raise the £7m of voluntary donations each year to continue providing care for children, young people and adults.