ORGANISERS of the Ann Teasdale Appeal are raffling VIP tickets for a clash between two North-East football rivals this weekend.

Mrs Teasdale's supporters hope to raise £20,000 so she can receive urgent medical treatment in the US. The young mother, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has already had one leg amputated after contracting a rare condition, and could lose the other unless she receives specialist help in Texas.

Appeal organisers have two tickets for Saturday's match at Feethams between Darlington and Hartlepool. They include a tour of the stadium, drinks and lunch in the Ambassador Suite.

The winners, who will also have the chance to vote for the man of the match and meet the players, must be able to get to the ground for 12.50pm.

Raffle tickets are £1, available in Aycliffe from The North Briton, Telegraph, Oak Tree and Dandy Cart pubs, The Royal British Legion Club, Horndale WMC, Stevens newsagent in the town centre and Bluebell Garage, and the Aycliffe Trading Estate post office.

The raffle will be drawn at the North Briton on Friday evening. For details contact Bill Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057.