A youngster's fight against leukaemia has led to more than £10,000 being donated to charity.

Michael Fogarty, 12, of Hurworth, near Darlington, was struck down with the disease in 2000 and underwent ten months of chemotherapy, before having a bone marrow transplant in 2001.

His struggle was charted in a booklet called Michael's Story - Life, Leukaemia, Life.

Michael's parents, John and Judith, produced the booklet with the help of Darlington Lioness Club and Carmel RC Technology College.

And it proved a major success, with donations pouring in from the local community and businesses.

The fundraising culminated in the presentation of more than £10,000 to the Leukaemia Research Fund at a ceremony held at Blackwell Grange Golf Club.

Mr Fogarty said: "The bulk of the fundraising has been done by John Yarwood, who is a friend of the family and used his old business contacts.

"We would like to say a massive thank you to everybody who has helped during the course of Michael's Story."