A charity which helps sufferers from the degenerative disease multiple sclerosis is celebrating after staff at Bettys and Taylors in North Yorkshire gave them a massive £30,000 boost.

Staff at the North Yorkshire firm, which has branches in York, Harrogate, Northallerton and Ilkley, raised the cash after they "adopted" the charity for the year last year. The money will be split between the charity's helpline for sufferers and their families, and cash for local branches. In York, the money is to be put towards a new minibus.

Bettys spokeswoman Emma Chamberlain said staff chose a different charity to support every year - and the company "matched" the total they raised.

But she said it was the first time their combined fundraising efforts had topped £30,000.

Fundraising efforts during the year included car boot sales, bungee jumps, 1970s nights - and even a "name a lamb" competition (winning name: Lambrusco).

Claire Brine, of the MS Society, said the donation was "fantastic".

She said that as well as helping towards a new minibus in York and another in Leeds, the cash would help pay for a meningitis conference to be held in Ilkley on Sunday, September 12.

Money would also go towards a project to extend the society's national helpline, with the aim of making it a 24-hour service.

The MS Society's helpline number is 0171 3718000. It is open 10am to 7pm on weekdays.

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