A Tyrone Spar shop hosted a fundraiser on Saturday that brought in close to £5,000 for end-of-life charity Marie Curie.

The event at Salmon’s Spar in Victoria Bridge was organised in memory of Lynda Hill, a former member of staff who worked at the shop for 19 years before her death from cancer.

The day featured a marquee set up outside the shop, with refreshments including tea, coffee, tray bakes and pastries. Children’s games were also provided.

Lynda’s family were present during the fundraiser. Shop owner Nicola Salmon, who runs the business with her husband Tomas, said the staff miss Lynda dearly and described her as a well-loved presence in the shop and the wider Victoria Bridge community.

The Salmon family acquired the Spar just 18 months ago but Lynda was a constant there, having started the job straight from school.

Early counts put the proceeds near £5,000, an amount Nicola described as phenomenal for one day’s effort.

This Saturday, Lynda’s family will walk across the Mourne Mountains to raise further funds for Marie Curie. The shop fundraiser was conceived as a way to support that effort and give back to the family.