A GROUP of athletes with learning disabilities are competing in the Special Olympics after more than two years of fundraising.

The group of 15 adults and four staff have raised more than £10,000 for their first visit to the National Summer Games in Glasgow from today to Saturday, July 9.

The team, aged from 18 to 50, will take part in football, ten-pin bowling, swimming and boccia - French-style boules.

The athletes all come from Darlington and attend day-care facilities in the town such as Darlington Council's Beck House, Beaumont Hill School and the Gateway Club.

It costs £500 per athlete to enter the Games and the team also have to pay for their own kits. The team received some grants but most of the money came from fundraising events, including sponsored runs, carol concerts, discos and table top sales.

A team spokeswoman said: "We would like to thank all the people who have given donations, given up their time and experience to enhance the athlete's lives. It is not too late to give donations.

"We would also like to thank the volunteers who will be joining the team. We will report back to say how many medals we have won because we are a winning team."

The team aims to send athletes to the World Games in 2007.