STAFF at Sainsbury’s Bridgemead store were chuffed to bits when they were told they had raised an amazing £20,000 for Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group over the past two years.

Cake sales, raffles, tombolas and a bingo night all helped to fill the collecting tins.

The final total was only unveiled on Wednesday. “We were really chuffed,” said commercial manager Sarah Bournes. “After the first year when we hit £13,000 we were well up for it.”

She said: “Because the group was coming in we built friendships. Every time they came in with their families they would come and see us.

“It makes you realise how lucky you are to be able to lead a normal life without having to look after a child with a disability.”

A new good cause is in the process of being chosen for the coming year. Dozens of charities submitted their applications and have already been whittled down by a committee to a final three.

Customers at the store will have the chance to vote on them from June 11 using a voting box at customer services.

The Down’s Syndrome Group, founded in 1984, provides support and information for the families of people with the condition, along with speech and language therapy, training days, sports lesson and family outings.

It also helps adults with Down’s into traineeships, jobs and volunteering.

Six years ago it was given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of its work over the years.

Visit swindondownsgroup.org.uk for more information.