A PUB has raised over £2,000 for a specialist college dedicated to helping adults with special needs.

Bar staff and patrons of The Grey Horse on Sherburn Terrace, Consett, raised the cash for Learning for Life, the town’s learning disability facility.

The money was raised from a raffle of culinary delights and other prizes, a ‘beer belly run’ and a lottery-type bonus ball draw.

It was presented to college student Nathan Harrop by barmaid Karen Dickinson and is going towards the mini bus appeal.

Nathan’s father, David Harrop, who is also a trustee, said: “This money will actually change young peoples’ lives as it will give them access to a specially-adapted vehicle, which will allow them to access the community.

“Everyone wants what’s best for their children and that applies to parents of children with special needs too.”

Patrons of the pub, as well as their families, have been generous with their time and money, as they purchased raffle tickets for such amazing prizes as a light aircraft flight experience over the Lake District and a driving circuit experience amongst others.

One of the main events, the Beer Belly Run, a drinking and running event, on August 27, was organised by Ian Pratt.

Keith Bell, who has two daughters at the college, said: “I thought I would start the fundraising appeal as young people like my daughters, Stephanie and Andrea, who are wheelchair users, would really benefit from a brand new mini bus.

“I never realised it would have been so well supported and successful.”