A MAJOR Basingstoke firm has delivered a welcome boost by backing the "A Place For Us" campaign in aid of Basingstoke's hostel for the homeless.

Staff at Motorola's Midpoint offices in Basingstoke enjoyed a free Christmas lunch in the staff canteen on Wednesday but were asked to make donations to May Place House.

Their colleagues at the company's Viables site had the chance to win a television and other Christmas prizes in a raffle, with the proceeds also going to the hostel.

Sarah Skitt, product marketing manager at Motorola, said her company was very active in the local community and was delighted to support the hostel campaign.

She said: "We try to help as many charities as we possibly can. We chose May Place House because it's a local charity that needs our help and, obviously, is a very worthy cause.

"Our staff are very pro-active in our regular fundraising projects, so we usually try to choose a charity that people are happy to help."

The company is following in the footsteps of the Red Lion Hotel which was the first to get on board The Gazette-backed campaign, where food outlets across the borough are asked to add £1 to their diners' food bill during the festive season with this extra money going to the hostel.

It's not too late to back the "A Place For Us" campaign. If your eating outlet or firm would like to take part, contact Chris Diston at May Place House on 01256 840110.