A FUNDRAISING weekend has raised more than £1,000 in memory of a devoted family man.

The family of Joe Hesp, who died aged 46 last December, launched a fundraising campaign in aid of the British Heart Foundation last weekend.

His wife, Susan, said she had been delighted with the support for the campaign given by people in Crook.

A family disco and fancy dress competition took place at Crook Cricket Club on Saturday, and a fun day at the club was also successful.

Mrs Hesp said: "Joe would have been delighted. He would have loved how well it has been supported and he would have been really proud of what we'd done."

So far, £1,060 has been raised for the charity. Mrs Hesp and her daughters, Andrea and Lynn, have already given £600 collected at Mr Hesp's funeral to South Cleveland Hospital, where he received treatment.

Mr Hesp suffered from endocarditis, a progressive inflammation of the inner lining of the heart and the heart valves, caused, in his case, by a virus.

Next Saturday, a charity night will be held at the 147 Club in Sunderland. And on Sunday, 30 friends and relatives will take part in a sponsored walk from Bishop Auckland to Crook.

Money raised from the fundraising marathon will be presented to the British Heart Foundation on September 15.