STUDENTS of Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo club, based at Haughton Education Village in Darlington have raised over £1,000 for charity.

The club raised £1,200 through a competition in June which they have now divided between two charities.

Strayaid Dog Rescue, based in Coxhoe received £300 and The Ellen Timney Foundation, which helps sick and under privileged children, collected £900.

Jane Morgan from the Ellen Timney Foundation was presented the cheque by three junior black belts from the club and said: “I am so overwhelmed by the generosity of the group.

“It was a real honour to be chosen.

“The money will be paying for specialist glasses for a little girl and some of the money will go towards a special wheelchair for a teenager.”

Instructor Katey Wallace, 5th Dan, said it was important to give back: “I really want all of our students to think of others at all times,” she said.

“The main journey you undertake in martial arts is to develop as a person.

“Humility and helping other people is a huge part of what we try and encourage students to do.”

The club meets four times a week.