THE Midcounties Co-operative has smashed its annual fundraising target by raising £280,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The company, which has stores across Oxfordshire including in Iffley Road and Cowley Road, broke its £200,000 target and has announced its two-year fundraising target is now £500,000.

Money for the charity has been raised by staff members at stores across the country with fundraisers including in-store tombolas and cake sales and a 300-mile, four-day bike ride.

The work has helped to allow the charity to provide 11,000 hours of essential nursing care for young people with cancer.

Maxine Sharman, head of community engagement at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “Supporting the inspirational work of local community groups and charities like Teenage Cancer Trust is one of our main commitments and our colleagues, members and customers have worked really hard to reach this fantastic achievement in only one year.”

Siobhan Dunn, chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Every day in the UK, around seven young people, aged 13 to 24, are diagnosed with cancer.

"We rely on donations and couldn’t do what we do without supporters like The Midcounties Co-operative, so a huge thank you from Teenage Cancer Trust and the young people whose lives they are helping.”