A stop-smoking centre has donated more than £1000 raised from a Pay for Parking scheme to charity.

Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking, in Raynes Park, set up a paid parking scheme late last year for visitors after parking in the area became more limited.

Since January, the scheme has raised £1197, which the centre has donated to St Raphael’s Hospice, which has branches in Merton and Sutton.

The charity offers specialist medical and nursing care for people with cancer and other serious illness and as well as providing support for their families.

Worldwide Director John Dicey said: "St Raphael's Hospice were an easy choice for our first donation - they do amazing work in the area and we are therefore delighted to announce that we have sent a cheque today for the sum of £1197.

"It's only a small amount but hopefully every little bit helps. We are now looking for another local charity to receive our next donation at around Christmas."

He added: "We hope that this will encourage people to stop smoking and encourage other local firms to run similar schemes."

Local charities can get in touch with the Allen Carr centre on 020 8944 7761 or email mail@allencarr.com.