SUPERMARKET staff in Swindon helped raise nearly £17,000 for the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton. Tesco chose the Wroughton-based hospice as its charity for 2004 and shoppers have been urged to hand over all their change.

Staff also set up a fundraising committee and organised a series of events throughout the year which will be including cycle rides, car boot sales and raffles.

Adrian Hunt, manager of the Tesco store in Ocotal Way, said: "My team has responded to the challenge of supporting Prospect magnificently and have really pulled out all the stops to make a special difference. I'm really proud of them all."

Maggie Gill, community fundraiser for Prospect, said she was thrilled with the successful partner-ship.

"We've had a fantastic year together and the Tesco Ocotal Way team have worked hard to raise money throughout the year while helping Prospect to continue to provide extra special care and support to patients.

"Tesco has helped to raise money to help care for people who have a progressive life-threaten-ing illness and for their families.

"Prospect believes that these people should have the right to live their lives fully.

"We want to help and make sure they make each day count."

For more information about how to support the hospice phone 01793 815142 or visit www.prospect-hospice.org.uk