SANTANDER proved Ardgowan Hospice can bank on them by raising thousands of pounds for the worthy cause. 

The bank's Oak Mall branch handed over a cheque for £2,500 to staff from the hospice yesterday morning. 

The money was raised through a charity match funding scheme, which matched money raised from a raffle held at the hospice's annual ball in March. 

The local branch has been taking part in the scheme for more than five years, raising over £10,000 for the charity in that time. 

Bank manager Julie Evans said: "Every year we can match the money one charity raised up to £2,500. 

"I attended the Hospice ball and some of my staff contributed towards their raffle. 

"It's brilliant to support them, it's such a valuable hospice to have here for Greenock and the surrounding community.

"It's great to have the staff getting behind them as well."