A VILLAGE community came together in the local pub's beer garden yesterday to raise money for a local youngster who has autism.

Connor Todd, nine, lives in the village of Carlton, near Stockton, on Teesside.

Yesterday, an event was held at The Smiths Arms in the village to raise money for a trust fund set up by his father and the pub landlord to help meet his needs.

The event featured live music by singer Lynsey, from Stockton, who appeared on Stars In Their Eyes last year.

There was also a raffle, with prizes including a Middlesbrough Football Club shirt signed by the Premiership side's first team, a Sunday lunch at the Smiths Arms and others donated by local businesses. In addition there was face painting, head shaving, karaoke, a bouncy castle, a disco, and a barbecue.

The pub hopes to raise £1,000 from the day's event