GENEROUS fans raised £2,909 for Teesside Hospice in the bucket collection before the game against Bolton at the Riverside.

Collectors were around the Riverside Stadium in the build up to the match against Gary Megson's side as big-hearted fans gave charitably to the cause.

Jennie Body, marketing assistant for Teesside Hospice, was delighted with the response from supporters.

"We'd like to thank everyone who helped us raise such a fantastic amount.

"We are heavily reliant on the people of Teesside and this money will help us continue our service to the local community," she said.

The hospice is an official charity partner of Middlesbrough FC and aims to continue to help towards the running costs of the Linthorpe-based charity through an abseil at the Riverside on Saturday June 14.

Century Radio's Alastair Brownlee and Boro community liaison officer Diane O'Connell have already volunteered for the challenge.

Anyone interested in joining them should contact the hospice's fundraising team on 01642 355866 or visit www.teessidehospice.org