A WOMAN raising money to help Indian leprosy victims has received one of her largest single donations.

Members of the congregation at Bishop Auckland Methodist Church, in County Durham, have handed £3,000 to the charity Start, founded by Leah Pattison of Frosterley, Weardale. She and her friend Usha Patel, a former leprosy sufferer, run the charity in and around the city of Nagpur.

Miss Pattison visited the church during a holiday at her family home last summer, and her account of their work inspired worshippers, said the Reverend Michael Thompson.

They set out to raise money via a series of events, including a harvest supper and a Geordie evening.

Clifford Laverick completed the Great North Run and artist Norman Brewster gave the proceeds from a sale of his paintings.

Miss Pattison's father, Derek, said she was thrilled with the donation, which followed on from Start receiving official recognition in India.

To make donations, visit www.leah pattison.org or send a cheque or postal order to Start, Frosterley Cottage, Intake Lane, Frosterley, Bishop Auckland.