REGULARS at a village pub are being urged to raise a glass in tribute to a popular teacher who died in a car accident earlier this year.

A beer has been produced in memory of mother-of-two Jennifer Askew and a share of the profits will go to her favourite charity, the Butterwick Hospice.

Mrs Askew, 54, from Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, died in Darlington Memorial Hospital on March 8 after being involved in a head-on collision near her home.

She often led events in aid of the hospice at Staindrop Comprehensive School, where she was a food technology teacher and head of year eight.

The cask ale, named Jenny Ale, was launched on Friday at The Red Lion pub, in North Bitchburn, near Crook, which is the only outlet selling the ale.

Pub owners Keith and Carole Young asked Cameron's Brewery to produce the light hand-pump ale as a tribute to their friend, with around 20 pence per pint going to the children's hospice.

The couple knew Mrs Askew and her husband, Jeremy, from The Victoria pub, at Witton le Wear, which the Askew's ran for 13 years.

Mr Young said: "Jennifer was such a warm, caring lady who made a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

"I hope the ale pays tribute to her and the hard work she did within the community and for charity."

Mr Askew, who attended the launch, said: "The brewing and sale of this beer is a touching tribute to Jennifer.

"Mine and my family's thanks and appreciation go to Keith and Carole at the Red Lion who came up with this fundraising idea. This is especially poignant as the money raised will be donated to the Butterwick Hospice, a charity Jennifer held dear.

"Jennifer will be remembered as a shining light, a sparkling person who touched the lives of everyone she met and it is appropriate that she will be remembered in this way."

Hospice fundraiser Sylvia Stoneham said: "We appreciate the efforts Mrs Askew made for the hospice and her devotion has had a huge impact on others. This is an unusual and fitting way to ensure that her work continues."

Carol Borwell, business development manager at Cameron's, said: "We're keen to support local pubs with cask ales and this is a special product because it is tribute to someone special and supports a wonderful charity."