SCOUTS and their leaders raised more than £300 at a church for a St George's Day service.

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts, all aged six to 18, took part in the service led by Father Robert McTeer, at the church of St Helen, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

They represented all the groups in the Bishop Auckland district, which includes Sedgefield and Newton Aycliffe. Councillor Alec Clements, the vice-chairman of Wear Valley District Council, attended with his family.

A collection raised more than £300 for the Scout Holiday Homes Trust, which provides self-catering holidays for families with special needs.