STAFF and customers at The Original Factory Shop in Bideford raised £484 for Appledore Gig Rowing Club.

Staff organised regular fundraising events for the club as part of the Original Factory Shop's Make a Difference in Your Community campaign.

Store Manager Mark Lees said: "It's fantastic to know that together with our customers, we've helped to raise a huge amount of money for people in need, including £484 for Appledore Gig Rowing Club here in Bideford.

"We're passionate about supporting causes in our local community close to our store and that's why we carefully chose Appledore Gig Rowing Club as our partner for 2011

"We're hoping to raise even more funds before this year's partnership ends in December."

The store in the High Street will soon be launching a search for a new charity partner for 2012.