Four businesses who took over four charity shops for a day have raised an impressive £14,000, it has emerged.

Bradford Chamber of Commerce invited the four organisations to go head-to-head in partnership with their chosen charity shop and unleash their entrepreneurial skills to come up with some money-making ideas.

Around 40 volunteers were involved in the day, with Approach PR helping Marie Curie raise their profile by inviting The Apprentice stars Claire Young and Ellie Reed, to get involved in a window dressing competition.

Bradford Chamber of Commerce supported Oxfam and increased their takings by attracting more customers and holding a raffle and cake sale.

Natwest worked with the British Heart Foundation collecting throughout their branch network, and social landlord Incommunities teamed up with Cancer Research UK with its staff donating hundreds of items for the shop, while an Elvis impersonator entertained shoppers.

The housing group also held an online auction with donations from partners for the staff and left a longer-term impact at the shops by collecting extra stock and handing out more than 300 collection bags.

At the end of the day, Incommunities were announced the winners with their staggering total of £8,503 raised for Cancer Research UK, winning a trophy and a meal at the Lahore Cafe Bar.

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