Generous shoppers at the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield, helped to raise £2,567.93 for the local branch of Samaritans during the run-up to Christmas.

Volunteers gift-wrapped Christmas purchases in the centre from 8th to 24th December in return for a donation to the charity.

The Samaritans encourages people to talk about anything that is troubling them, at any time and in confidence.

Rebekah O’Neill, Four Seasons manager, said: “It was lovely to have the volunteers at the centre again this Christmas.

“We are delighted to hear of the significant amount of money raised for such a fantastic charity and worthy cause.

“Thank you to all of our shoppers who helped raise these funds.”

Jane Lidster, director of Mansfield and District Samaritans, said: “It’s always very important that we raise the profile of the Samaritans and the service the charity offers across the local area, but never more so than at Christmas when many people desperately need our support.

“We value the opportunity Four Seasons Shopping Centre gave us to offer the gift-wrapping service, which in return allowed us to raise funds that can make a difference. We would like to thank shoppers and hope that everyone had a lovely Christmas.”