STAFF from Mecca Bingo Birkenhead are celebrating after raising an astonishing £2 million for Carers Trust.

Since February 2014 employees from Mecca Birkenhead have been working hard to raise as much cash as possible for Carers Trust who provide financial support to carers aged 16 and above

In recognition of the hard work by the team, the management from Mecca agreed to take on a final challenge - a bushtucker trial.

The menu included critter cocktails, mealworms and buffalo worms on a bed of lettuce sprinkled with dry cricket flour.

General manager at Mecca Birkenhead Terry O'Donnell told the Globe: “We’re incredibly proud of the efforts of all or our team members and most importantly, our customers and everyone in Birkenhead, who has dug deep into their pockets to help us to support such a worthwhile charity.

“The sad reality is that three in five people will become carers in the UK at some point in their lives and with seven million carers in the UK already, it’s crucial that there is funding available to provide the important support they need.

"We’re delighted to know that we have contributed in some way to the invaluable help the charity offers, and will continue our fundraising endeavours to ensure Carers Trust can carry on assisting the amazing people who desperately need their support.”

The aim of raising the cash is to help remove 'barriers' placed on carers and reduce some of the stress being a carer can cause.

Giles Meyer, chief executive of Carers Trust, said: “We are overwhelmed by the fundraising efforts of Grosvenor Casinos and Mecca Bingo in Birkenhead. They have gone above and beyond once again and we’re delighted to continue our partnership.

"The reality is that three in five of us will become carers at some point in our lives, and with seven million carers in the UK already, staff’s fundraising plays a crucial part in providing the support carers desperately need.”

Five years into the partnership, the funds raised for Carers Trust have helped more than 9,000 carers to access essential equipment, much-needed breaks, the opportunity to learn new skills, and the chance to meet other socially isolated carers.