A STAMP of approval has been given to a Christmas party for the community, which was held in the unusual venue of a Northwich bank.

Barclays Bank, in High Street, invited Northwich traders, charities and the community into its banking hall for a Christmas get-together.

One of the star guests was Forrest, a shih tzu and hearing dog for deaf people, who is helping the bank on its mission to collect stamps for the charity.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People helps train dogs to be a set of ears for deaf people.

Rebecca Todd, from Barclays in Northwich, said: “Staff at Gadbrook Park have been collecting stamps and we also had a cash donation that we weren’t expecting.

“We started our appeal for used stamps two years ago and will be running it forever.”

A number of Northwich businesses and charities were also invited to the Christmas party to run stalls.

Rebecca said: “We’re branching out into the community and getting involved and wanted to have a party.”

Anyone who wants to donate stamps should take them to the branch of the bank in High Street.