A WINCHESTER store has going the extra mile to fundraise for charity in its anniversary year.

The stationers and newsagent WH Smiths is nationally celebrating its 225th anniversary having been founded in 1792.

To mark the occasion branches of the store are fundraising throughout the year for three charities; Cancer Research UK, Mind and the National Literacy Trust.

The Winchester branch of WH Smith on the High Street has been doing a lot of fundraising and has so far raised £1,326.48 which is more than half-way towards its target of £2,500.

Last weekend eight women from the store took part in the Race For Life: Pretty Muddy 5k obstacle course run on Southampton Common.

The eight ladies from the Winchester branch that took part were Wendy Yaldren (store supervisor) Isabel Farminer (post office clerk), and sales assistants; Laura Adams, Kira Brown, Rosie Buckley, Sam Lewis, Gemma North, Georgia Peters-Gill.

All the ladies had a target to raise £50 each for Cancer Research UK and all succeeded and are still collecting, while sales assistant Sam Lewis is up to £105.

Of the run supervisor Wendy Yaldren said: "It was a wonderful opportunity to do something as a team, as soon as the date was first announced we were all really keen to take part. The atmosphere on the day was so uplifting and I was honoured to take part in such a special event."

Sam Lewis said: “It was fantastic, really great fun. I’ve signed up for the Naomi House one in October too. It is a fun way to get fit and raise money for charity at the same time. I’d definitely do it again.”

Sales assistant Gemma North said: “It was really great fun and I got really muddy. It was a great thing to be part of and all for a good cause.”

As well as the muddy Race for Life the staff have raised money in-store from a bake sale, face painting and a raffle as well as collection buckets. During Mental Health Awareness Week in May the store raised £408.44 for Mind. Later in the year, staff will also take part in the 3k Rainbow Run in October and there will be an exercise bike brought in for staff to ride 225 miles to mark each year of the anniversary.