PARENTS who have suffered the tragic loss of three daughters have thanked the community for funds for a family headstone.

More than 100 people turned out to show their support for the Newton Aycliffe family at a charity event which raised £2,122.

Dez and Lesley Tinkler said: “We have been through utter tragedy which has left our family distraught, but we are so grateful for our community’s support.”

The cash will be used to purchase a headstone to remember their daughters Donna, Stacey and Vikki Tinkler.

Young mother Vikki Tinkler died aged 30 after being hit by a car on Stephenson Way in October last year.

Raffle tickets and football cards were sold at the event in the Scouts Hut on Sunday, November 15, as well as the auctioning of a full bathroom suite, donated by Interiors 4 You in the town.

Organiser Nicola Nicholson said: "I was happy to arrange the event to help such a special family.”