ORGANISERS of a charity beer festival and family fun day are appealing for help to stage the event.

The Eden Arms Hotel, in Rushyford, near Newton Aycliffe, is hosting the festivities this summer in aid of the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group (GACSG).

Terri Gibson, of the hotel, is seeking anyone who can offer their time or services including singers, bands and entertainers to make the event a success.

Mrs Gibson said: “A member of our staff has recently been diagnosed with and is recovering from cancer and she asked if we would do it for them.

“The money goes directly to the people that need it and doesn’t get lost in the system.”

The GACSG, based in Newton Aycliffe, holds monthly meetings where it offers advice, support and social activities to those affected by the disease.

Founder Allison White, who has lived with cancer for seven years, said: “We’re so happy that the Eden Arms Hotel have offered to help raise vital funds for our group. We’re increasing in numbers week by week and more and more cancer patients are needing our help. The money raised will also support our new Patient Transport Service for those patients who don’t have any transport to go for their chemotherapy or radiotherapy.”

The festival will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28, from 11.30am to 5pm.

Anyone who would like to be involved is asked to call 01388 720541 or email terri.gibson@shearings.com