fundraisers are on the way to reaching their target after a sponsored wheelchair walk and mini-marathon.

The people of Weardale turned out in force to support the events by Independence 4 Disability and the Weardale Whippets last weekend.

Weardale doctors Steve Lumb and Matt Hackett, along with Bishop Auckland General Hospital's Dr Bill Lamb, took part in the mini-marathon and the founder of Independence 4 Disability, Alistair Howe, walked the dales pushing a wheelchair.

Walkers from both events met in Stanhope on Sunday afternoon before Mr Howe continued on his gruelling trek to Killhope.

The money raised by the fundraisers will be donated to Dr Lamb's Run 500 miles Appeal, which is raising money to give all the diabetic youngsters in Dr Lamb's care an insulin pump. A pump costs about £2,500.

The mini-marathon will contribute towards one insulin pump for a diabetic youngster in Weardale.

Terry Gowland, 17, from Weardale, was able to complete the mini-marathon with the assistance of an insulin pump, which was provided by Dr Lamb.

Mr Gowland said he would not have been able to complete the challenge without it.

Helen Blackburn, from Independence 4 Disability, said: "It was a fantastic day. It went like a dream."