AN endurance challenge in aid of a cancer charity proved too much for sports clubs across the country – with just one North-East club able to complete the feat.

Bishop Auckland Table Tennis Club took part in a 24 hour ping pongathon, organised by fundraising group Pink Pong to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

More than 50 people took part including club members and shoppers and staff at Tesco supermarket in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, which hosted the event.

They played nonstop from 10am on Friday, April 18 to 10am this morning (Saturday, April 19) and organisers believe they have raised more than £800.

Club secretary Carol Rodway said: “We did a similar event last year in aid of The Butterwick Hospice and when we enjoyed it so much when we saw the Pink Pong challenge we decided to do it again.

“It is such a good cause to support and we’re grateful to everyone who supported us.

“We know other clubs across the country planned to take part but believe we’re the only ones who did in the end so we’re very proud.”

The club runs table tennis sessions for around 100 people at Bishop Barrington School’s sports hall, in Bishop Auckland, and satellite classes at Newton Aycliffe and Barnard Castle.

Senior and junior teams play in the Darlington League and some of the club’s 60 members compete in national and cadet competitions.