BANKERS turned salesmen to boost the books of a charity close to their hearts.

Royal Bank of Scotland staff took over four hospice shops to see which team could make the most.

The winning team were the volunteers at the West Stewart Street shop who managed to sell the most items in the hospice Charity Challenge event.

A total of £514 was raised. As well as collecting funds, the event also helped RBS employees better understand how charity shops operate.

RBS employee Eleanor Tinney said: “ We volunteered for the challenge because Ardgowan Hospice is a great cause and helps so many people locally.

“It’s nice to be able to help a local charity.”

Ardgowan Hospice was chosen as the RBS Mortgage Centre’s Charity of the Year for 2017, and in addition to raising as much money as they can during the year, teams of employees are also lending a helping hand later in the month by offering to paint one of the hospice shops.

Carly Taylor, customer service agent at RBS, said: “Ardgowan Hospice is one of our nominated charities this year and we are only too happy to take part in raising as much money for this wonderful cause.

“The staff are happy to get involved and make a difference to this amazing, local charity.”

Ian Marshall, Ardgowan Hospice acting chief executive said: “The money raised will also help us to continue to provide our vital services to the people living in Inverclyde.

“The £514 raised could help to pay for 27 patient transport trips to hospitals in the Glasgow area for vital treatment."

Ardgowan Hospice would like to hear from other companies in the Inverclyde area who are interested in taking part in their own Retail Charity Challenge event.

Anyone interested in taking part in a retail charity challenge or volunteering should email hr@ardhosp.co.uk or call 01475 726830.