GOLDEN-hearted staff at an Eastleigh-based insurance company have given a big boost to Southampton's Rose Road Children's Appeal.

The bumper cheque for £5,000 was raised by the Fortis Insurance Charity Committee and was presented during a special assembly at Mordaunt School by chief executive Barry Smith.

The windfall will go towards the £4.75m needed for the new centre being built at Alder-moor for some of the most profoundly disabled children and young adults in Hampshire.

The donation adds to a stream of support from the company, which has continued to back the charity for the past six years.

Last year Fortis Insurance helped to raise more than £5,000 for the appeal through a variety of staff activities and events.

A team of young professionals from the company also volunteered to create a new garden for the children and staff to enjoy at their present site in Rose Road.

Mr Smith said: "I am very proud of the effort made by staff at Fortis Insurance to support such a worthy appeal and am pleased to bring Rose Road closer to their goal."