DRAGON boat races and tasty cake sales helped raise thousands of pounds for grief-stricken youngsters.

Manufacturing company Unipart Group, gathered more than £6,000 for child bereavement charity SeeSaw during its year-long fundraising initiative.

The charity, based in Headington, has announced the funds will be put towards new volunteer support worker training, providing more assistance for young people in need.

Unipart Group’s HR director Deborah Astles, of corporate responsibility and policy, said: “I’m really proud of all the hard work our Events For You group have put in to fundraising for this charity. “We’ve had many events taking place through the year and the passion and commitment from the group has been phenomenal.”

Employees at Unipart Group’s head office in Cowley got involved with activities over the past year after deciding the charity would be one of three receiving funds collected.

SeeSaw’s corporate fundraiser Jane Elliott said: “SeeSaw was thrilled when staff at Unipart voted us their Charity of the Year 2016.

“Employees organised inspiring fundraising events and raised the staggering sum of £6323.

“This significant donation will directly support Oxfordshire’s bereaved children and young people helping them face the future with hope.”

Other charities selected by the team at Unipart Group included Headington-based Archway Foundation, set up in 1982 to help relieve distress caused by loneliness.

Mental health charity Oxfordshire Mind and group Oxfordshire Young Diabetics were also selected by the company.

Last year, an a 11-strong team of SeeSaw volunteers supported more than 400 children and young people, between five and 18, to help them deal with the loss of a loved one.