STAFF and visitors at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction have donated £5,000 to the appeal to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appealed for donations after victims were left in desperate need for water, food, shelter and medical assistance.

Andy Poole, chief executive of the attraction, said: “We have been very fortunate to have another good trading year, helped by a combination of factors including a dedicated team of managers and staff and a continued investment in the business.

"Like the rest of the country, we have seen the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan and the directors felt that as a business we should help in whatever way we could to make a difference.”

The attraction is also offering everyone with an LA postcode free entry throughout December along with a complimentary hot drink with every slice of cake purchased in its tea room.

The 30-strong team of staff has seen growth in the business during 2013 which it attributes to a renewed interest from young visitors since the launch of the Peter Rabbit animation series on the BBC.

For more information visit www.hop-skip-jump.com/free.