Domino's Pizza franchises in Northern Ireland have opted to support a local charity instead of the Special Olympics GB, which has been the UK partner since the business signed up to the Pennies microdonation scheme in November 2010.

Domino's customers in Northern Ireland who round up their bill to the nearest pound through the scheme will now be donating 75 per cent to Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.

Since the scheme was introduced to Domino's Pizza a year ago, its UK-wide franchises have raised over £750,000. Special Olympics GB will now continue to receive 75 per cent of donations from the other UK nations, and ten people-related charities operating in the UK will receive continue to receive 25 per cent of donations from all nations, including Northern Ireland.

Georgina Wald, head of corporate communications at Domino's Pizza said: "Our customers have really taken to the idea of Pennies and the amount raised since we launched in November has been incredible. The change in Northern Ireland is a great way to ensure that our customers there can contribute to a charity that has local relevance and I know the donations will make a real difference to the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice."

Domino's, with 600 branches throughout the UK was the first retailer to bring in the Pennies microdonation system and has been followed by the Rugby Football Union, Italian restaurant chain Zizzi, Travelodge and toy store The Entertainer. The Pennies Foundation currently supports 22 charities across the UK but the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice is the first Northern Irish charity to be supported.

Alison Hutchinson, chief executive of the Pennies Foundation said: "We're excited at the pace of Pennies' development. It is fantastic to see Domino's bring in our first Northern Ireland charity. We hope that Domino's Pizza customers will continue to round-up to help the hospice to continue supporting young patients and their families."

The hospice supports children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, of which there are 750 in Northern Ireland, and their families.