A Darlington charity received a Christmas boost when it was presented with a cheque for £500 and ten 15lb turkeys.

Twenty-seven employees of Newton Aycliffe shower cubicle manufacturer Roman gave up their company Christmas gift of a turkey and donated the money to Darlington Association on Disability (Dad). To support the employees' goodwill, Roman managing director Gerry Osborne topped up the donation to £500 and added five 15lb turkeys. William Peat and Sons, of Barnard Castle, the renowned butchers which has supplied Roman turkeys for ten years, is also donating five turkeys. The organisation plans to use the money to help fund Dash - Darlington after school and holiday playcare and leisure services.

The turkeys are to be auctioned. Two have already been raffled and helped raise £153. The aim of the charity is to promote independence and choice for disabled people of all ages through the Dash project, information provision, shop-mobility, and a carer support programme.

Mr Osborne said: "We take our responsibility to our local area very seriously.

"We're delighted to be able to make this donation to Dad, they provide a very valuable service. We would like to thank William Peat & Sons and the lads who've given up their turkeys."