WORK for disabled people in Wensleydale has won a man the first monthly fundraising award to be presented by a national children's charity.

Garry West, 51, has already raised £5,000 for Children Today with a host of money-spinning stunts.

School discos, marathons and car boot sales have been among the events arranged in Richmondshire.

However, the Leyburn caf worker has also travelled abroad on fundraising adventures, tackling scuba-diving, white water-rafting, trekking and cycling.

He's not resting on his laurels, either. By the end of the year, Garry hopes to double his fundraising total while his wife, Carol, plans to join the Children Today Grand Canyon Challenge next year, hiking the western rim before descending 2,000ft to canoe the Colorado River.

"I first became involved in fundraising for Children Today because the money I raised was used to buy equipment for local disabled children, rather than disappearing into the unknown," said the father-of-three from Middleham.

"I would encourage everyone to take part in one of the charity's overseas challenges. It's a fantastic way to meet new people and test yourself to the limits - but you also know the money you have raised will go towards ensuring disabled children in the area get the best support possible."

Children Today director, Alan Dodd, said: "Thanks to Garry, local disabled children can look forward to a brighter tomorrow. The thousands of pounds he has raised will go towards providing specialised equipment which will support disabled children's mobility, independence and communications. What Garry and fundraisers like him are doing is changing lives and we are proud to name him as our very first Fundraiser of the Month."