YORKSHIRE Building Society has hailed residents across Warrington for helping it smash past its £1 million fundraising target.

As part of the ambitious 'Hour of Need' campaign in aid of Marie Curie, the society's branch, on Bridge Street, raised £1,598 towards the target.

It is the most successful fundraising drive in the society's 152-year history.

Every £20 raised funded one hour of Marie Curie nursing care, with donations from residents in Warrington funding 79 hours.

Staff have taken part in a variety of fundraising activities, including riding 190km in branch on exercise bikes.

They also helped set a new world record for the largest cream tea party in multiple locations.

Nik Lycett, manager of the Warrington branch, said: "By supporting our Hour of Need campaign for the past two years the community here in Warrington have helped to provide nursing care for more people with a terminal illness in their hour of need.

"Sadly, most of us know someone who has been affected by terminal illness but the donations have made a real difference.

"By helping us raise more than £1 million we have so far funded two hours of care by a Marie Curie nurse for every hour of the campaign."

Dr Jane Collins, chief executive of Marie Curie, added: "Thank you to all Yorkshire Building Society staff and members for their fantastic support.

"The £1 million raised is enough to fund around 50,000 hours of vital care and support for people living with a terminal illness and their families.

"The society has gone above and beyond to raise funds for us and we are truly grateful for everything staff and members have done."

The campaign was launched in 2014, with a target of £500,000 initially set for this December.

But following the immense support the figure was reached a year early, with the amount raised now totalling £1,021,030.

To donate visit justgiving.com/hourofneed