A GRANDFATHER who has been tirelessly working to raise money and awareness of cancer found himself the recipient of a generous prize recently.

Norman Smith, 74, from Darlington, was diagnosed with prostate cancer 18 years ago, so when he saw an appeal by Barkers department store in Northallerton to support Cancer Research UK, he was only too happy to help.

Customers had been invited to donate good quality menswear which the store would pass on to the Cancer Research UK shop in Northallerton. Those taking part were rewarded with a £5 voucher for Barkers’ menswear department, as well as being entered into a prize draw to win a £500 voucher to spend in store.

Generous customers handed over hundreds of items of clothing to the appeal, including suits, trousers, jumpers and jackets.

Mr Smith, who has supported cancer charities since being diagnosed with cancer himself, won the prize draw.

He is a trustee of the Celebration of Life After Cancer charity based in Stokesley.

He said: “Barkers' appeal really resonated with me when I saw it in the paper as Cancer Research UK is such a good charity.

“I knew Barkers were looking for good-quality clothes and this was a good chance to help.”

Val Boasman, from Cancer Research UK, said: "The response has been great and it means we can increase our menswear section to provide our customers with good quality stock.”

Barkers menswear department manager Lee Kennedy said: "A lot of people have been touched by cancer, including Mr Smith, so it was an appeal that our customers were clearly enthusiastic about supporting."