A DARLINGTON pub is aiming to raise funds for charity by holding a series of events.

The Red Lion, in Priestgate, is part of the Greene King chain of pubs, restaurants and hotels, and the company has held a three year partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support

In the past three years staff at Greene King establishments have taken on a vast array of fundraising tasks including, bungee jumping, sky diving, running, cycling and holding coffee mornings.

The total raised for Macmillan has exceeded £1.2 million to date, smashing the initial target of £1 million – eight months ahead of schedule.

Speaking about the partnership Rachel Gascoigne, partnership manager at Macmillan, said: “We’re thrilled with the amount of fundraising and support from Greene King staff already and would like to thank everyone for their fabulous generosity and efforts.

"I am sure there are many more fun and unique fundraising activities to come from Greene King staff as we enter the third year of our partnership.”

Steven Hepworth, from the Red Lion, is leading the pub's campaign and has had his head shaved to kick start this year’s fundraising.

As part of the fundraising effort, The Red Lion is also hosting a charity football match on Saturday (May 30) at Springfield Park, Whinfield Road.

There will also be other events taking place including a cake stall to help raise funds towards the overall Greene King effort. Kick off is at 11am.