Optimum raises Comic Relief cash

Manufacturer Optimum Coatings decided to swap manufacturing and coating lenses for baking cakes to raise money for Comic Relief last week.

Linda Holroyd (standing centre), Optimum's business development manager, said: 'Everyone thought I was mad when I suggested we all wear pyjamas or fancy dress and have a cake sale, but they still got involved and have spent the last few days producing cupcakes. We had hoped to raise £100 through sponsorship and cake sales on the day but we smashed our target raising £325.68, which is great.'

Optimum also reported having recruited five new employees over the last 12 months, meaning it now has 21 staff.