A PUB'S charity crusade has raised almost £3,000 for a campaign to help improve the lives of young diabetics.

The Ash Tree in Carr Lane, Spennymoor, raised £2,842 to support paediatric consultant Dr Bill Lamb, who is raising funds to help patients at Bishop Auckland and Darlington.

He wants to provide insulin pumps, which give insulin continuously under the skin reducing the need for daily injections, to as many children in his care as possible.

Pub regulars have now backed the campaign with three events - partly as a thank you to Dr Lamb for treating local teenager Liam Richardson, who has diabetes.

Dr Lamb, who was presented with the money by Liam's dad Bill Richardson and landlady Faye Porthouse, said he is delighted with the pub's support which has now raised enough money to pay for three insulin pumps. The campaign has raised more than £63,000, enabling 15 children to start using the pumps.