A FUND supporting a North-East woman's work among Indian leprosy victims has been boosted by one of its largest single donations.

Worshippers at Bishop Auckland Methodist Church have given £3,000 to the Start charity, which is run in the Indian city of Nagpur, by Leah Pattison, of Frosterley, and her friend and colleague Usha Patel.

Ms Pattison visited the church during a holiday at home last summer and her account of her attempts to set up a clinic for women and children inspired the congregation, said minister the Rev Michael Thompson.

They organised a series of events including a Harvest Supper and Geordie evening. Clifford Laverick completed the Great North Run and artist Norman Brewster donated the proceeds from the sale of paintings.

Mr Thompson said: "We choose a different cause every year to support but this time people felt a personal involvement after hearing from Leah and Usha about their work. It was marvellous."

Ms Pattison's father Derek said: "This is one of the biggest single donations we have received and Leah is thrilled. It follows on from Start being recognised in India which has happened more quickly than usual."

Anyone wishing to make a donation to Start can log onto the website at www. leahpattison.org or send a cheque or postal order made payable to Start, at Frosterley Cottage, Intake Lane, Frosterley, Bishop Auckland.