DESPITE the recent announcement of their factory’s closure, generous staff marked the festive season with a Christmas lunch and a charity cheque presentation.

Crown Closures at Hamworthy, which employs more than 120 people will be shut by December this year, with production moving abroad.

The management team took on the role of waiters and served up a delicious three course meal to hardworking staff who raised more than £2,500 for Forest Holme Hospice.

Throughout 2014 staff at the Lake Road factory made regular contributions from their salary to support the work of Forest Holme, a cause that is close to their hearts.

Corporate fundraiser Hannah Parsons said: “At a difficult time, the kindness and generosity shown by the staff at Crown is overwhelming. We would like to thank each and every one of the team for donating their hard-earned money to help others in our local community.

“The funding provided by Crown will enable us to purchase a specialised air mattress for the inpatient ward which will be used to prevent pressure ulcers and ensure that our future patients are as comfortable as possible.”

A spokesman for Crown said: “Our fundraising efforts for Forest Holme will continue as long as we are able to and we look forward to delivering more donations.”

In a statement released by Crown Food Europe, Cans and Closures in December it said: “There will be a gradual moving of the business, some has gone already, until June of 2015, when it finally ceases production and December 2015, when it closes its doors forever.”

The hospice charity relies on the support of its local community to ensure that patients living with advanced cancer and other terminal illnesses receive the best possible care.

To support the work of the hospice contact the fundraising team on 01202 670644.