VAPERS from across the region have helped raise more than £1,000 for a hospital ward which provided life-saving care to a youngster who is fighting fit at 14.

Stephen Watson and Matthew Gowland, the two men behind the North East Vapers Facebook page, set out to raise the cash to thank staff who looked after Mr Gowland's son as a baby.

Cameron, now aged 14, was born nearly three months premature, weighing just 2.13 pounds, and received care at the neonatal unit at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

This week Mr Gowland, Cameron and his mother Deanna Field, of Newton Aycliffe, returned to the ward to hand over £1,335.

"My son wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them," said Mr Gowland. "I just want to say thank you to the vaping community and sponsors who helped raise the money.

"We wouldn't have been able to have done what we did if it wasn't for the great sponsors and all the awesome members on the page."

The funds were raised through an online video auction on the Facebook page, which provides vapers in the region with a place to connect, chat and trade.

Companies which sponsor the page donated vape products while Mr Watson and Mr Gowland both put in items to sell.