A SOCIAL club has helped raised thousands of pounds for a charity through a series of events.

Organiser Tom Jackson, of Bede Lodge Social Club, of Framwellgate Moor, Durham, yesterday presented a cheque for £3,450 to Valerie Maggiore, of the Chester-le-Street branch of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The events included a pie and peas supper, entertainment with a singer and comedian and bucket collections. There were also individual donations, including £1,000 from Filtronic, of Newton Aycliffe, and a £1,000 donation from the employees HSBC bank.

Committee members who helped included Terry Robson, David Hutchison, George Pearson, Ron Atkinson, Dave Geddes and Michael Henderson.

Mr Jackson said: "We would like to thank the members of the club who bought the raffle prizes and supported us throughout."

He added: "Twenty years, ago my mother died and my wife and I looked after her.

"Marie Curie was able to offer us respite.

"Sadly, two years ago, my wife, Emily, died as well, and I had to call on the services of Marie Curie again.

"I felt I had to do something active - physically and mentally - and had to raise as much money as I could for them.

"It has been a satisfying project.