A CHARITY Thai boxing night at Rockliffe Hall last month raised more than £2,700 for St Teresa’s Hospice.

The event, held on September 18, was organised by Paul Hamilton and the Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy in memory of Darlington taxi firm owner Peter Crang, who died from cancer in March last year.

The evening featured five Thai boxing matches followed by three charity boxing matches, with competitors taking part in aid of the Hospice.

A total of £2,712.12 was raised.

Daryl Johnson was awarded the Peter Crang Memorial Trophy for best charity boxer, an award he will hold until being challenged at next year’s event.

A raffle and an auction for a football shirt signed by Gareth Bale was also held on the night, with funds raised adding to the total.

Accepting a cheque for the amount raised, hospice director Jane Bradshaw said: “At St Teresa’s Hospice it is our great privilege to help people like Peter Crang, who I know is sadly missed by his friends and family.

"I am really moved to learn that this will become an annual event, which is a wonderful tribute to Peter’s memory. "The hospice is raising funds towards our new in-patient unit where we will be able to help more people, with more complex problems, in improved surroundings.

"My grateful thanks goes to Peter Crang Junior, the indomitable Paul Hamilton who organised the event, Rockliffe Hall and all who attended, for making this generous donation possible.”

Mr Hamilton hopes to build on the success of the event and details of next year’s boxing night will be announced in the New Year.