A Shipley-based charity that helps people recovering from mental health problems to get back into work is among local charities that have gained from the generosity of Tong's Garden Centre's customers and staff.

Over the last two years, the team at the Bradford garden centre has raised over £8,500 for the Cellar Trust through a series of fund-raising events that included 11 colleagues undertaking an 18 kilometre walk in the Lake District, selling Cellar Trust produce in store and collection boxes at the tills.

Jo Dales, Tong Garden Centre's Marketing Manager is delighted with the amount raised: "We're at the heart of the community here at Tong and we're pleased to support a local charity that makes a real difference to the lives of local people.

"We're delighted to be able to support the Trust's great work in helping people on their journey to recovery and to help them to raise the funds they need to offer this valuable service. As a garden centre first and foremost, we have particularly enjoyed supporting the Trust's horticultural Skill Shop."

Kim Shutler-Jones, CEO of The Cellar Trust, is delighted with Tong's support: "Tong is a brilliant example of a local business making a big difference to people in their local community.

"We're really grateful for the funds they have raised for us over the last two years - it will make a real difference to the Trust."

The fundraising team at Tong were rewarded for their endeavours with a cake from the catering skill shop that was presented at the cheque handover.

In addition to the funds raised for the Cellar Trust, staff and customers at Tong Garden Centre have raised more than £20,000 over the last two years for local charities and community groups including Martin House Hospice, Wibsey Salvation Army, Birstall Victoria Rugby Club and Shona Boocock Academy of Dance.

The Cellar Trust is a charity that provides support to people recovering from mental health problems in the Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven areas. The team provides people with tailored support to help them move forward and improve their mental health and wellbeing, in a way that complements any additional support they are receiving through other services.

The team at Tong became aware of the work the Trust does when they employed former Cellar Trust client Dion Magyar, who is now a valued member of the team.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 17 acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars.

Pictured, centre is Andrew McCarthy from the Cellar Trust with some of the team at Tong Garden Centre Cellar Trust receives a cheque from Tong