Firms across Norfolk and Suffolk have raised more than �65,000 between them for a hospice after a strenuous summer or fundraising.

Businesses battled against each other to turn �50 into as much money as possible for St Nicholas Hospice Care with a series of innovative events.

And the 52 companies involved in the three-month challenge gathered in Ickworth, Suffolk, last week for a presentation evening where it was revealed �65, 549 was raised for the Bury St Edmunds-based charity.

Hospice corporate fundraiser, Abby Mayes, said: 'It has been a busy but brilliant summer, packed with a range of unusual and ingenious fundraising events. The imagination and level of commitment demonstrated by all the businesses involved has been impressive.

'To have raised more than �65,000 is staggering. Thank you to everyone who supported the Accumulator Challenge, the hospice is very grateful.'

Firms involved in the challenge included Center Parcs at Elveden, which was presented with the most innovative idea award for investing their �50 stake into chocolate gold coins to be sold throughout the holiday village, and Thetford HSBC.

The Community Award was presented by hospice trustee Paul Marchant to the business the judges felt involved the community and demonstrated the essence of community spirit, which included Curvemotion, of Bury, which won the prize for their Zumbathon, which involved 211 participants.

The Judges Award, presented to a firm which remained positive, motivated, engaged and driven throughout the challenge, was presented by Paul Whittaker to Green Duck, of Western Way, Bury, for their fun run.

The top prize – most amount of money raised – was presented by The Apprentice's Tom Pellereau to Jacobs Allen chartered accountants, of Haverhill and Bury. Jacobs Allen raised �9,476.54 through a race night, wine tasting evening and a ready steady cook challenge and collection.

Hospice chief executive, Barbara Gale, said: 'The money you raised goes towards ensuring we can go the extra mile. But you have also shown that fundraising is fun.

'On behalf of all the patients and families that we help, thank you.'