STAFF at a building firm are celebrating bringing some festive cheer to a children’s charity.

Staff and residents at McCarthy & Stone, which has Sykes Court development in Lindley, have raised £60,000 for Barnardo’s.

They did this by running, cycling and even kayaking the length of the country.

Members also donated toys, dressed down and hosted countless coffee mornings and tea parties.

The company’s Charity of the Year Fundraising Partnership with Barnardo’s, the UK’s leading children’s charity, was launched in late 2011 with a target to raise £50,000 in 12 months.

All money raised will help young children and their families across the UK receive the long term care and support they desperately need.

Fiona Brooks, the company’s regional sales and marketing director, said: “The response from both our staff and our residents over the last 12 months has been phenomenal.

“Barnardo’s is a fantastic organisation, helping millions of children across the UK living below the poverty line.

“The bringing together of different generations – McCarthy & Stone as a champion of later living and Barnardo’s as a champion for children – seemed to really resonate with people.

“We have enjoyed significant support from many individuals to help us achieve our target.”

A host of fundraising events and initiatives took place on developments across the UK and in McCarthy & Stone’s offices.

Helena Burley, corporate relationship manager for Barnardo’s, said: “Thanks to McCarthy & Stone’s staff and residents, Barnardo’s is able to provide much needed support and care to vulnerable children across the UK.

“We are so grateful to each person who, through giving up their own time, has helped raise the funds to make this partnership such a real success.”