STAFF at a North-East school have raised more than £1,800 to help local families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

A team of 12 staff from Corporation Road Community Primary School walked 26km between all five schools in Darlington that are part of the Lingfield Education Trust.

The staff – plus teacher Lauren Pyrah’s unborn baby – finished their journey at Corporation Road Primary and so far raised £1,887.60.

(Image: Chris Barron)

The money will go towards Darlington Baptist Church’s appeal to set up a new Community Grocery Store, which is due to open near the school later this year.

Mark Dipple, head teacher of Corporation Road Primary, said: “Our school has always been right at the heart of a wonderful community, and there’s no doubt that this project will improve the lives of our pupils and their families.

“We’re very proud to be able to support it, and very grateful to Darlington Baptist Church for this fantastic initiative.”

Barry Thompson, who is the church’s Joint Minister with his wife, Vicky, said: “A Community Grocery will ease the cost-of-living crisis for those who are ‘just about managing’, and offer a lifeline to those below the poverty line.

“This offers more dignity than a food bank, as shoppers can choose for themselves the food that they would like to eat.

“We have a great relationship with the staff at Corporation Road Primary School, and we were overjoyed at their suggestion that they could support the appeal. It will make a substantial difference to many of the families in the school, and we are so thankful for their support.”

More than £60,000 has been raised so far by Darlington Baptist Church to open the store.

After joining for £5, members will be able to fill their basket with shopping items worth up to £30 and pay just £4. The funding will allow the store to operate for two years, and members will be able to visit three times a week.

Nick Blackburn, chief executive of Lingfield Education Trust, said: “This is a perfect example of a Lingfield Trust school going above and beyond to support its local community, as Corporation Road Primary has always done.

“I’ve no doubt the Community Grocery will be of great benefit to many families over the next two years.”