TWO ice hockey fans decided to club together when they saw an opportunity to take their favourite player out for dinner.

As part of a player auction organised by fans of the Newcastle Jesters to raise money for the club's community programme, people were able to bid for a meal for three with Darren McAusland at the city's Billabong Bar and Bistro.

The lot was sold for £325, helping the fundraising effort reach a total of £2,220.

Darren was surprised at the amount raised, but pleased the money would go to a good cause.

"It's a good cause, so hopefully we will have a good time," he said.

The event took place at the Telewest Arena.

Three other lots went for £200 each, including meals for three with captain Joel Poirier and assistant skipper Rob Wilson. A training session with Finnish player Santeri Immonen also brought in £200, while a visit to the gym with The Northern Echo's ice hockey columnist Louis Bedard and Craig Binns was scooped for £150.

Fan Jill Weightman, who organised the event with Brian and Karen Haddock, said: "Everything went. We had £1,000 on the board before we started, so we doubled our money."

The event was compered by Gary Weaver and Steve Gibb, from Century Radio.