BENTS Garden Centre has smashed its fundraising record after donating more almost £26,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Staff at the Glazebury-based store enjoyed a record-breaking year after raising £10,000 more than their initial fundraising target.

The campaign was spearheaded by Bents’ head of outdoor retail, Matthew Dickinson, whose two-year-old son was diagnosed with the condition at birth.

Bents invited Matthew’s son Isaac, to the centre along with Emily Clough from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust for the presentation of the cheque and the official handover to the next charity of the year.

The group were joined by Bents' managing director Matthew Bent’s son Elliot, who represented Epilepsy Action for the handover.

This is a cause close to their hearts as Elliot was diagnosed with the condition last year.

Matthew Bent, MD of Bents Garden & Home said: "I have had a direct personal experience of this year’s charity, of the vital work and support they provide.

"Along with my wife Vicky and the rest of the family I’m looking forward to taking on some special challenges this year and hoping we can have another successful year of fundraising.

"I’m not sure we’ll be able to match this year’s total, but we’ll give it our best shot."