A NEWLY-ESTABLISHED charity club has successfully completed its first year.

The Rotary Club of Durham Elvet marked the occasion at a meeting held at the Hallgarth Manor Hotel, in Pittington, near Durham City, where district governor George Craig formally accepted the new club into the Rotary District for the North-East.

During its first year in operation, the Durham Elvet club raised money for a variety of good causes, including Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, the Great North-East Air Ambulance, St Cuthbert's Hospice, Butterwick Hospice, Trinity School and Pittington School, as well as raising money for projects in Sri Lanka and Zambia.

The Rotarians also helped supply 12 "aquaboxes" - each of which is packed with emergency supplies and can be used for purifying water - for use in international disaster areas.

Club president Lesley Beddie said: "It's been a fantastic first year and the club is going from strength to strength and, what's more, we've helped so many people and yet really had fun and enjoyed ourselves whilst doing it."

Durham Elvet Rotary Club meets at The Hallgarth Manor Hotel on Thursdays at 7pm, and would be pleased to welcome any potential new members.

Further details can be obtained by contacting the club secretary on 0191-386-8478.