A KIDDERMINSTER vehicle hire firm has donated a van to help Kemp Hospice drive up donations of clothing and furniture.

The van, donated by Northgate Vehicle Hire’s Kidderminster branch, will help the hospice collect and transport donations provided by local businesses.

Conrad Smith, branch manager at Northgate Kidderminster, said: "We are very passionate about supporting local causes so we’re pleased to be helping Kemp Hospice to collect the vital donations.

"Support of local businesses is essential to ensure the charity continues to deliver the valuable services they provide for the patients and families of the hospice."

The hospice, which offers specialist care and support to patients, families and carers who are dealing with life-limiting illness and bereavement, needs £940,000 a year to continue funding their work.

Kemp fundraising manager Kevin Hateley said: "We are really grateful to Northgate for allowing us to utilise their facilities. It is always uplifting when the local community comes together to help a worthy cause.

"All of our services are provided free of charge and are delivered by a skilled clinical team.

"We heavily rely on donations from the local community to allow us to continue our services. Without the use of one of Northgate’s vans, we would really struggle to collect the donations from local businesses."