CHARITY organisers were thrilled with the turnout for an antiques day which may have helped them reach their £200,000 target.

The money raised at the event at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, at the weekend, which is still being counted, will go to the Macmillan Cancer Relief County Durham Appeal.

Antiques experts and auctioneers gave their time for free to run a roadshow and auction of items donated by the public.

There was also an illustrated talk by Patrick Dingwall, of Dingwall and Banks, on restoring antique furniture.

All proceeds from tickets and the auction went to the appeal, which aims to raise enough money to provide a palliative care consultant, to care for terminally ill patients, and two extra Macmillan nurses.

The charity still needs public support. To help or make a donation, call 0191- 3781188.