DOZENS of volunteers from Your Local RUH Cancer Care Group were welcomed into Sainsbury’s Chippenham last week to celebrate the start of their year-long partnership.

The charity, which was chosen by Sainsbury’s customers as the store’s local charity of the year in June, joined staff earlier this month where they raised more than £1,500.

Bev Viveash of Your Local RUH Cancer Care Group said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. We are excited to be the stores Local Charity of the Year and look forward to working together and meeting their friendly customers.

“The money we raise over the year will be used to help build the pioneering new cancer unit at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. The treatment, care and support you get at the cancer unit is excellent but unfortunately the building is no longer fit for purpose.

“The new unit will provide the same great level of care but in a new purpose-built environment.”

The Sainsbury’s store on Bath Road also welcomed Freewheelers EVS, the local charity of the year for Sainsbury’s Local on Station Hill, where another £1,200 was raised for the life saving courier service.

Store manager Val Atwill said: “Both our Chippenham stores have fantastic charities to support and I know our colleagues are looking forward to the year ahead with enthusiasm. Thank you to all our customers for their support.”