Offers of help are still coming through for a little girl with leukaemia, whose chance to go on a dream holiday were nearly dashed.

Caring readers of The Northern Echo rushed to the rescue of five-year-old Vicki Jones, from Waldridge near Chester-le-Street, when we reported how an organisation had pledged to raise nearly £1,000 to send the family to EuroDisney this Easter.

Unfortunately the organisation - called Phoenix Cancer Care For Kids - has disappeared and is now under investigation by police.

But within 24 hours of our appeal, readers came forward with pledges of about £900 to cover the costs of the holiday.

Many donations were anonymous, while others have offered to help fund-raise.

Jump About Bouncy Castles, based in Darlington has offered use of a bouncy castle for free and are joining forces for a fun day with another reader who has volunteered to raise money through face-painting.

The family have asked that the money goes to the Batti About Kidz charity, so other seriously ill children can visit EuroDisney.

Most recently, Margaret MacMurray, from Shildon, has organised a charity evening to take place at Old Shildon Workmens Club on Main Street on April 18.

The main attraction of the evening will be an act called Tribute to the Stars, made up fathers and businessmen from Shildon. They will impersonate acts from Boyzone to Elvis and there will also be a raffle and bingo.

The generosity of readers has overwhelmed Vicki's family.

Her dad, Bryan said: "It's been brilliant. The response has been absolutely fantastic. It looks like we're going to be okay."

Tickets to the Shildon charity evening cost £2.50 and are available by ringing Crossways Caf in Shildon on (01388) 776856.