ORGANISERS of a fundraising effort which brought in £3,000 for Children In Need have paid tribute to the tremendous efforts of those involved.

The Royal Oak pub, in Darlington, was the scene of a charity extravaganza on the night of the BBC appeal.

A sponsored silence, and darts match, took place, as well as a "sponsored eat" involving the munching of ten jars of pickled onions.

Pub regulars paid a fee to wear fancy dress for the night, which was sponsored by more than 30 local businesses, many of which donated raffle prizes.

Allison Porritt, who organised the charity event with Leandra Dodsworth, said: "Everybody was so generous, and we would like to thank those that helped."

Special thanks were given to Direct Signs, which donated a huge banner, Jupiter Fireworks and AB Trophies, which provided trophies for the sponsored darts match.