GENEROUS customers at Poole's Marks & Spencer store have raised £4,457 for NHS Charities Together.

Staff and customers at the Dolphin Shopping Centre store also took part in the one-off Clap for Carers on Sunday, celebrating the 72nd birthday of the NHS.

A new display showing how much customers have raised has also been erected.

Store manager Vicki Jesson said: “The past few months have been challenging for all of us, but one thing that’s been amazing is seeing people rally together.

"We’re very proud that our community has already helped raise £4,457 for a really important cause that will provide vital support to NHS staff, volunteers, and patients.

"Clothes shopping is different now and as customers are coming back and starting to shop with confidence it’s really lovely that the first thing they’ll see when they enter our shop is a display that shows the generosity and kindness of the local community.”

Funds were raised at M&S through initiatives such as the Rainbow Sale, where 10 per cent of each purchase was donated to the charity, and the sale of special t-shirts and bags for life.

NHS Charities Together chief executive officer Ellie Orton said: "I can’t thank M&S customers enough, the money you have raised is making a huge difference for the NHS staff and volunteers who have been there for all of us during the Covid crisis."