Teams from local schools, colleges and businesses visited the brand new Karcher headquarters in Banbury this week for an awards ceremony for the annual Karcher Accumulator Challenge.

The 12 teams raised more than £8,300 between them, and with money still coming in, the total could rise to £10,000 - the amount it costs to run Katharine House for a whole day.

Local firm Karcher have been committed supporters of the hospice for many years, and this is the third time they've run the Challenge. They give £50 to each team, which then uses the money to fund activities or buy products which will make more money for Katharine House.

Teams from across the community came up with some great ideas to make the most profit, with activities ranging from hamper sales and dinners to sponsored leg-shaving and showcases of the latest technology.

Chris Higgins, Communications Officer at the Hospice said; "We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part. The Accumulator Challenge is a great way for students and businesses to get involved and use their creative skills to make a real difference to people facing life-limiting illnesses. Turning that initial £50 in to hundreds and even thousands of pounds is a huge task, and we've been blown away by the enthusiasm and entrepreneurship of the teams. We'd also like to extend a big thank you to everyone at Karcher, who continue to help us support patients and their families in our hospice, in the hospital, and out in the community."

The Karcher Accumulator Challenge will return in the summer of 2017. For more information, or to register your interest, please call 01295 816484, or email [email protected]

Karcher Accumulator Challenge 2016: Winners & Teams

Overall Karcher Accumulator Challenge Winner:

Banbury and Bicester College (£1,048 raised)

Most funds generated by a business:

DHL (£1,960 raised)

Most creative business:

Yorkshire Bank (£548 raised)

Most funds generated by a sixth form/college:

Bicester Technology Studio (£1,200 raised)

Most creative sixth form/college:

Banbury Academy (£367 raised)

Most funds raised by a school:

Kineton high School (£1,950 raised)

Most creative school:

Hanwell Fields School (£320 raised)

Other Teams:

Karcher UK

Doodledash (£200 raised)

The Dasset School (£135 raised)

Prospect Personnel Ltd (£79 raised)

North Oxfordshire Academy (£387 raised)

Kineton High School pupils Kyle, Tom, Jessica and Aimee celebrate winning the award for Most Funds Raided by a School.