CHILDREN at a Darlington school will get new playground equipment as a late Christmas present, thanks to a taxi driver's generosity.

Simon Claydon raised £245 for Red Hall Primary School by donating his Christmas Eve takings and collecting contributions from other drivers.

The money will be used to pay for playground equipment and Mr Claydon has been invited back to the school to see the finished area.

He said: "I was delighted with the hard work and effort made with my children at the school and I wanted to give something back."

Mr Claydon has three children at Red Hall school - Wesley in year one, Sarah in year four and Michael in year five.

Cynthia Symon, deputy headteacher, said: "We are overwhelmed by Mr Claydon's generosity and his incredibly kind gesture."