LLOYDS Banking Group colleagues in Penarth put their baking skills to the test for Santa's early visit as part of their fundraising effort for their charity of the year Alzheimer's Society.

Eight members of staff raised £107.55 to help people with dementia and their carers by taking part in the tinsel, tea and talk event last month.

Wendy Gilligan, customer service manager, (Mrs Santa) said: "It went very well, we really enjoyed ourselves and it was great to know that at the same time we were helping Alzheimer's Society support people to live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow. Thank you to all the customers for their support."

Liz Monks, director of fFundraising at Alzheimer's Society said: "I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part for their support of Alzheimer's Society. As a charity, we rely on generosity of others to continue our vital work. The fundraising by colleagues across Lloyds Banking Group will help improve the lives of thousands of carers and people living with dementia."

Throughout 2013/2014 Lloyds Banking Group will be working with Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland to raise more than £2 million to help improve the lives of thousands of people with dementia and their carers.

Their pioneering Live Well programme will educate people with dementia, their carers and families about how to cope with day to day life and how to plan for the future.

By working together, Lloyds Banking Group, Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland will raise awareness of the problems faced by people with dementia and their carers when dealing with personal finances, exploring ways to make the banking sector more 'dementia friendly'.