The Rank Group have officially raised £1m for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

A partnership between the two organisations, which began in January 2010, saw Rank employees across the UK take part in a series of fundraising activities.

Over 90 Mecca staff participated in last yearÂ's Great North Run, while a number of Grosvenor Casino employees cycled 1,000 miles from Aberdeen to Brighton.

Other fundraising events included themed Blooming Great Tea Parties, ‘extreme pokerÂ' in unusual locations, and a series of physical challenges such as sky-dives and abseiling.

Marie Curie Cancer Care director of fundraising Fabian French said: Â"Raising £1 million is a massive achievement.

Â"WeÂ've been really impressed with the creativity teams and customers have shown in raising funds over the past three years and I would like to thank everyone at The Rank Group Plc for the time and effort given to reach this result.

Â"Their support will help us make a real difference to terminally ill people and their families.Â"

Lesly Clifford, head of communications at The Rank Group Plc added: Â"ItÂ's amazing that weÂ've raised such a massive amount of money for Marie Curie.

Â"There are no words to describe how important the work they do is and weÂ're all thrilled at the result.Â"