Yorkshire-based Thomas the Baker has donated £2,000 to Martin House hospice for children and young people.

The money was raised by a 5p charge for carrier bags across the bakery’s 30-store estate in Yorkshire and the north east.

Martin House, based in Boston Spa, aims to provide family-led care for children with life-shortening conditions. It is a place where children, young people and their families can come to stay along their journey and find support, rest and practical help. The charity supports families across North, West and East Yorkshire both at its hospice and in the community.

“Martin House is such a wonderful place and it’s always there for people when they need it. It can only continue to carry on its important work due to the donations it receives, so it was fantastic to be able to go and hand over the money raised in our stores,” said Chris Chapman, quality assurance manager at Thomas the Baker, who handed over the donation.

“Although we always try and encourage people to reuse their bags, it is at least good to know that when bags are being purchased, the money adds up and can go to help people within our community when they need it most.”

Rosie Mellor-Silvester, partnerships manager at Martin House, thanked the bakery for its “very generous donation” and added: “This will have a direct impact on the lives of the children and young people with life-limiting conditions across Yorkshire whom we support.”

The bakery, which was established by the Thomas family in 1981, has a history of donating to charitable causes. In 2017 it gave £10,000 to the British Heart Foundation.