THE launch night of a new charity got off to a flying start when almost £7,000 was raised at the event.

Fat Lads on Bikes were joined by the Phat Lasses at Eston Labour Club to get the fundraising underway.

Formed late last year, by Neal Bullock, the group has made great strides in organising a number of events to raise money for Ward 14 of James Cook University Hospital after his aunt was treated for cancer.

The official launch saw scores of people pack out the club with special guests including radio personality Paul 'Goffy' Gough and top darts player Glen 'Duzza' Durant.

Mr Bullock said: "We have had a great response so far and the success of the launch night was fantastic. We raised £6,800 from the event and that is just the start of things to come."

The group is already planning a Coast to Coast bike ride and has joined ranks with the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Society to help spread the word.

Last week, the group came together with local company MB to help bring joy to the lives of Millie-Mai Mann and her family.

The eight-year-old, from South Bank, Middlesbrough, suffered brain damage at birth and was given a life expectancy of only five years.

They are working to give her a sensory room and her very own wet room to enable her to enjoy her life.

Anyone wanting to support the group should visit www.fatladsonbikes.com