GOLF club members answered their captain's call to help collect £4,008 for young cancer patients.

Bishop Auckland men's captain Clive Auld rounded off a successful year's fundraising by handing over a cheque to Sue Greves, administrator for children's cancer charities at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.

The money will be spent on toys and equipment to cheer up the children while they are in hospital.

The courage of youngsters, including some from the south Durham area, touched Mr Auld's heart when he visited the RVI at the start of his campaign.

He said: "What I saw made me feel I needed to help. I have had a tremendous response from the Bishop Auckland members and fellow golfers who supported my special events."

Mr Auld and club professional David Skiffington staged captains' away days, a 40-team tournament and even organised eight teams to tee off in the dark to raise money.

Mrs Greves said: "It will help make a huge difference to the quality of the time the children spend in hospital.

"It buys toys and equipment like computers which they wouldn't otherwise have."