A BAND of kind-hearted pirates ignored the rain and tackled two laps of Darlington’s South Park to raise vital funds for charity.

The St Teresa’s Hospice Midnight Walk attracted 140 people all dressed as pirates.

And for staff at Cleveland Terrace Dental Practice it was a chance to remember popular dentist Ian Alexander who died last year from cancer.

The 47-year-old received palliative care at St Teresa’s Hospice, which supports patients and their families in the area.

His colleagues Terri Weston, Nicola Mulcrone, Judy Bowes, Jane Pedleham and Michelle Horner had mixed emotions of a memorable occasion.

Ms Weston said: “Ian was such a lovely man and loved by all his patients. While the event was great fun it was also very emotional but Ian would have been proud of us, particularly Michelle who won the fancy dress competition with her ghost pirate costume.”

Ms Bowes added: “Ian is sadly missed and well remembered every day. We were all aware of St Teresa’s Hospice but didn’t appreciate what a fantastic job its staff do until Ian became ill. We were delighted to raise more than £400 to help them continue their work.”

Now in its tenth year, the annual walk has raised in excess of £100,000 for the hospice.

Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw added: “It always amazes me just how many ladies are prepared to turn out for the Midnight Walk and how incredible the atmosphere is despite the lateness of hour and, this year, weather conditions.

“Our volunteer marshals did a great a job at an event that remains one of my firm favourites.”