TWO charities received support from a high-street supermarket today when Tesco Extra at St Helen’s Auckland held its annual summer fair.

As well as 15 independent stalls from Bishop Auckland, Crook and Spennymoor, who each donated £10, the event at the store’s car park also boasted a giant children’s Disco Slide, cake stall, tarot card reader and tombola.

A fire engine from Bishop Auckland Community fire station was also there to entertain and educate families about the work of the local fire service.

The fair was opened at 10am by the store’s community champion, John Bailey, store manager, Sandra Laws and Bishop Auckland County Councillor, Sam Zair.

This year, Suicide awareness charity, the If U Care Share Foundation (IUCSF) along with local homeless people will receive an equal split of funds raised.

David Brown, project support worker with IUCSF, said: “We provide support for families. Our Inside Out campaign on September 10 encourages people to wear their clothes inside out to get them talking about mental health issues.”

On the work the store is doing to help the region’s homeless, Mr Bailey said: “We will be using the other half of the money raised to buy blankets and sleeping bags and run soup kitchens for homeless people in the area.”

For more information on the Foundation visit Ifucareshare.com or phone 0191-387-5661.