FRIENDS are rallying round to help a man whose life has been afflicted by motor neurone disease.

Derrick Iddon, from Carrville, Durham, who is in his 40s, developed the neurological disorder, affecting voluntary muscle activity, last year.

It is expected to increasingly restrict his movement in coming years.

Colleagues from the former Phillips television tube factory and Tarmac concrete depot, both in Belmont, Durham, plus other friends in the area, have been saddened to hear the news of the onset of the debilitating disease.

One of them, John Appleby, plans to raise funds to assist Mr Iddon’s family by taking part in The Beast, a 50-mile cycle ride round County Durham, next month.

Mr Appleby and other friends have also organised a fundraising night at Belmont Social Club, on Friday, August 9, starting at 7pm.

It features a live band, The Arrival, with a raffle including several celebrity-donated prize items.

There is a limit of 200 tickets available for the event, costing £3 each, but, depending on availability, admission can be paid on the door on the night.

Further information is available from the club, in Grange Road, on 0191-386 1487.