MORE than £18,000 has been raised for Acorns Children's Hospice by staff at Cotswold-based company.

Cotswold Inns and Hotels has generated £18,085.72 for the hospice to fund a full refurbishment of its specialist multi-sensory room.

To help reach the fantastic total, company director Paul Davis ran the London Marathon earlier this year and held a series of fundraising events.

The company has supported Acorns for the Three Counties for more than five years, raising almost £50,000.

Mr Davis, speaking on behalf of the company, said: "I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of all those who have donated and we’re delighted to be helping Acorns to refurbish their sensory room with these funds – thank you."

Mandie Fitzgerald, community fundraising manager, said: "We rely on the generosity of the local community for the nearly £10 million it costs to provide our care every year, so we’re hugely grateful to Paul and all the staff at Cotswold Inns for their commitment and support.

"The multi-sensory room is an important part of the care we provide at the hospice, opening up a whole new world for children and young people; generating a relaxing and calming experience, but also providing stimulation."

Acorns for the Three Counties is based in Bath Road, Worcester, and thanks to the donation, it will also be able to update existing sensory equipment.

For more information about Acorns visit acorns.org.uk