An estate agency group with branches across Stevenage and North Herts has handed over nearly £3,000 to the NSPCC child protection charity.

Connells makes an annual donation to the good cause, passing on money raised at the partners ball event for senior members of staff.

Chief executive David Plumtree said: “We are proud to have raised this impressive amount to support such an important cause.

“Year after year we continue to support the NSPCC, whose work is so important to the lives of many children around the UK and we are delighted to be able to contribute to the cause in this way.”

Community fundraising manager Jacqui Venters, who received the donation, said: “We are very grateful to Connells for their wonderful support. The NSPCC is here to help prevent abuse and neglect and donations like this help make that possible.”