A FAST-FOOD restaurant is urging customers to take part in a charity challenge this weekend.

The McDonald's restaurant on the A167 near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is taking part in the Drive-thru challenge on Saturday.

For every car using its drive-through restaurant between noon and 2pm on Saturday, McDonald's will donate £1 to the Ann Teasdale Appeal. Each car will also receive a free meal.

Mrs Teasdale is receiving treatment in the US after developing a condition called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS).

She has had one leg amputated and faces the prospect of losing the other unless the treatment is successful.

Family and friends raised £20,000 to send her to the US, but fundraising efforts are continuing as it is not known how long her stay in the country will be.

McDonald's in Newton Aycliffe is competing against other restaurants in the chain to see which can raise the most money on the day. The most successful branch will be given an extra £500 for its chosen cause.

To help with fundraising, contact Bill Blenkinsopp on (01325) 315714.