TOWNSFOLK both young and old have made massive efforts to help raise money for the Asian tsunami appeal.

A motorbike rider, with only one leg, joined a cross-country trek to raise money.

Ian Charlton, from Darlington, right, joined 2,000 other bikers for the Motorcycle Aid ride from Scotch Corner to Solihull. The bikers raised more than £7,500 for the Asian tsunami appeal.

Mr Charlton, who lost his leg ten years ago, said: "It was great that we could all raise money while doing what we enjoy - biking."

Pensioners in Darlington have also been raising money for the Asian disaster appeal.

Volunteers at Fiftyplus Age Concern held a tombola and other fundraising events at Bradbury House, in Beaumont Street West, raising £450 for Unicef.

Louis Coles, regional manager for Unicef in the North-East, thanked everyone for their efforts. He said: "I think it is fantastic that older people are reaching out to help children at the other side of the world in their time of need."

A quiz will be held in Darlington to boost the tsunami appeal fund.

The community team quiz night, for teams of up to eight people, will take place at the Maidendale House Community Centre, in Firthmoor, next Friday, starting at 7.45pm.

Each participant is asked to make a £2 donation.

Children at Polam Hall School's Early Steps nursery, in Darlington, joined junior school pupils in a pancake race, which raised £374 towards the rebuilding of the Pahamuna Rehabilitation Centre on the west coast of Sri Lanka.

The pancake race was one of many events that the school held throughout the week to raise funds for the centre, which is housing, feeding and educating children orphaned as a result of the disaster.

Other fundraising activities have included a Chinese treasure hunt and an Asian evening.