CHARTERED accountancy firm Banks BHG has announced that its charity of the year will be Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.

Neil Elsden, a director at Banks BHG in Swindon, said he was delighted by the choice.

“We select a charity every year, and over the past five years have raised more than £12,000,” he said.

“Our criteria is that the charity we support must be local.

“We also like to choose a charity where we know how the funds we raise will be spent, and what better way than on a new hospice.

“Our staff overwhelmingly chose Julia’s House to support during 2016.

“Having a children’s hospice and community service such as this based in Wiltshire seems essential, and we’ll do all we can to help.”

Banks BHG is holding a variety of fundraising events, including a staff bake-off, golf day, race night and sponsored walk.

The first event is a quiz, to be held on April 28 at the De Vere Hotel, in West Swindon.

It is open to teams for four, with the entry fee £5 a person. To book visit www.banksbhg.com.

Ged Montgomery, from Julia’s House, said: “We are delighted and very grateful that Banks BHG have decided to support us and wish them luck in their fundraising attempts during 2016.”