THE Original Factory Shop in Stourport has raised £2,245 for good causes thanks to its Make a Difference in Your Community charity campaign.

Staff at the store have been supporting local organisations since 2010 with a range of fundraising activities, including fancy dress, community raffles and sponsored events.

Store manager Michelle Newman said: “We’ve all worked hard to raise this money for these local charities and as they're such deserving causes, everyone in the town has been right behind us.

"We’re really grateful for all our customers’ support. Let’s hope these efforts will help to make a difference to those who need it in the community.”

Following an appeal to the community to nominate local causes, The Original Factory Shop Stourport selected the Multiple Sclerosis Society (Wyre Forest & District branch) as their latest charity partner in January 2013.

In 2012, the store supported the Severn branch of Girlguiding UK and in 2010 and 2011, the Churchfield Caravan Project was chosen.

Nationally, the store group launched its Make a Difference in Your Community campaign in January, 2010 and has since raised over £500,000 for local causes across the UK.

After four years of working with local charities, this year The Original Factory Shop will be partnering with a national charity. Customers can vote for their preferred charity via the retailer’s facebook page until next Thursday.

The Original Factory Shop is a non-food convenience retailer selling brands at factory shop prices. The retailer has more than 190 stores in small market towns across the UK, employs more than 2,600 people and has an annual turnover in excess of £200 million.