A YOUNGSTER who battled against anxiety has raised thousands of pounds to buy books to help others.

Darlington teenager Caitlin Morrow was eight-years-old when she was referred to the Mulberry Centre at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

She had developed an anxiety condition after a bout of scarlet fever left her with a fear of being sick which then caused her to stop eating and drinking.

Five years on, Caitlin has largely overcome the condition and together with mum Lisa has raised £4,500 to buy books about mental health for the Mulberry Centre’s library.

‘Caitlin’s Library’ was officially opened at the centre today (Wednesday, February 20) and the delighted youngster said: “I wanted to do something positive to help others and to give something back to the Mulberry Centre and staff as they really helped me.”

Caitlin’s Library contains more than 300 books and workbooks.

The chairman of the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Jo Turnbull said: “We feel very privileged that Lisa and Caitlin chose to set up this charity to provide specialist resources for the young people, their families and carers who use the services at the Mulberry Centre.”