TWO little boys have captured the hearts of a village, which has launched a fundraising campaign in their honour.

Catherine Dakers, landlady of The Green pub, in Billy Row, near Crook, launched the drive to raise funds for Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary and the Downs Syndrome Association.

Her only grandchild, seven-month old Sam Dakers, was delivered six weeks prematurely when his mother, Loraine Gwin, became ill. Doctors at Bishop Auckland Hospital discovered his bowel had burst and he was rushed to the RVI for surgery.

Parents Lee Dakers, 24, and Loraine, 20, of Coundon, held a bedside vigil by their baby, who was cared for on ward four for four months and defied the odds to make a full recovery, though he will always have digestion problems.

Mrs Dakers, 48, said: "It was a terrifying time and we thank our lucky stars he is still with us. That is down to the help he got at the hospital.

"At the RVI, we saw so many children in hospital long-term, and they need stimulation and entertain-ment. That is why we started to raise money to buy more toys and mobiles for other kids in hospital."

Mrs Dakers invited pub regulars Paula and Steven Edmundson, of Reservoir Terrace, Stanley, Crook, to join the campaign and share the money with the DSA.

Their youngest son Jack, six, has Downs Syndrome so the couple are keen to raise awareness of the condition.

Mrs Edmundson, 38, said: "The whole village has taken the project on board, it is about much more than raising money as it helps to break down barriers."

Events include a quoits competition on Saturday, a treasure hunt on Saturday, May 26, and a Golden Jubilee event on Monday, June 3. For details, call Mrs Dakers on (01388) 764655.