Staff at the Youth Justice Agency have raised a magnificent £23,000 for Action Cancer, their chosen charity for 2017.

A cheque for £23,052.65 was presented to the charity at a staff celebration in Parliament Buildings in Belfast.

The cash was raised during the Action Cancer Shops’ Challenge, which saw YJA staff from Belfast, Derry, Cookstown, Enniskillen and Bangor get behind the counter of their local Action Cancer shops for a day.

Declan McGeown, chief executive of the Youth Justice Agency, said: “This really is a tremendous achievement and one which we should all take great pride in. Our staff teams are very much a part of the local community and work on a daily basis with local people who are impacted by the great work of Action Cancer.

“The Shops’ Challenge was an excellent opportunity for us to support our local communities and raise funds for Action Cancer.

“I was also delighted that our collective efforts were recognised with four awards presented to our staff by Action Cancer.”

Katherine Young, retail development officer from Action Cancer, added: “The Shops’ Challenge provides a unique opportunity for Action Cancer Retail to engage with local organisations.

“Every penny raised during the challenge stays within Northern Ireland to provide free services to local people including; breast screening to women aged 40-49 and 70 plus and complementary therapies and counselling to anyone impacted by cancer.

“We are absolutely delighted by the magnificent sum of money raised by the Youth Justice Agency and would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and support to Action Cancer this year.”