SEVEN apprentices at a Bolton online electricals giant have collected more than £4,600 for one of the borough’s most popular causes.

Six weeks ago trainees at AO were set the task of fundraising for Bolton Lads and Girls Club for a local competition.

And after a busy November and December, hosting everything from a bake sale to a raffle, FIFA gaming tournament and a Black Friday themed dress-up, the group managed to generate £4,620 for the organisation.

This was double the total apprentices managed to garner during a similar exercise in 2018.

John Roberts, chief executive and founder of AO, said: “We’ve been involved with Bolton Lads and Girls Club for over 20 years and it’s great to see AOers still coming together to help raise money and support the fantastic work that the charity does.

“I’m really proud of the way these seven apprentices have demonstrated true AO spirit in their approach to this challenge having gone over and above to help the charity.”

The 3,500 member lads and girls’ club, based in Spa Road, is one of the largest of its kind in the country.

Not to be outdone, some of the company’s older workers chipped in to donate a Christmas present to a deserving cause.

Staff were told how James Matthews, from Essex, wanted to surprise his undergraduate daughter with an early gift.

James has cardiovascular disease and his daughter Hannah has been helping to care for him, alongside her disabled mother, while studying for an animation degree at Southend.

The dad wanted to secure a powerful laptop for Hannah so she could carry on with her coursework at home so he approached AO.com

When they heard about Hannah, AO staff dispatched a laptop and arranged for her to have a day’s work experience with their own 3D modelling team early next year. They also sent the family a Christmas hamper.

Hannah said: “I love both my parents so much and I can’t believe they managed to do this, and a massive thank you to AO as well, I’m dead chuffed.”