GENEROUS fans raised £2,909 for Teesside Hospice in the bucket collection before last season's 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.