Festive shoppers at a Tong Garden Centre near Bradford raised almost £2,500 for two local Salvation Army groups in the run up to Christmas.

Salvation Army bands representing the Bradford Citadel and Morley Corps were invited to entertain shoppers as part of the garden centre's annual celebration of Christmas and representatives from the charities were delighted with the outcome.

"The Salvation Army are very grateful to Tong Garden Centre's continued support in allowing us to spread the Joy of Christmas to their customers,” said Susan Spargo from Bradford Citadel. “We were overwhelmed by the customers' generosity which raised over £1500 and allows us to continue our work supporting families in need both at Christmas and throughout the year.”

Richard Weston from Morley Corps said: ”Thank you so much to the customers for the generous donations while we played Christmas Carols. All of the money raised will help us to make a difference in our local community in many different ways."

The events were organised by Tong's tills and customer services manager, Diane Farrar. “The Salvation Army brass band is an integral part of our festive celebrations that bring joy to our customers and raise valuable funds for this amazing charity,” she said.

Pictured (left to right): Dennis Keen, Claire Whybrow, Tony Goodwin and Jamie Maxwell.