BLACKBURN’S Peter Jackson the jeweller’s store has raised £2,800 for Chorley’s Derian House children’s hospice.

Employees at The Mall outlet in the town rose to their boss’s challenge to turn £500 into as much money as possible for their chosen charity over six months.

Despite a lack of fundraising experience, the Blackburn team made the sum into £2,800.

A cheque for the cash was presented to the Derian House Mascot outside the store by shop staff Emma Rhodes, Gemma Smith, and Alex Feathers .

Mr Jackson MBE, managing director of the five outlet chain, said; “ I am immensely proud of what my teams have achieved.

“Their dedication and hard work has been rewarded with the knowledge of what a huge difference this money will make to these six incredible charities.

“All teams achieved remarkable totals but the winner of the challenge was the head office team who raised a staggering £10,654.40 for The Space Centre in Preston.”