TENS of thousands of people on Teesside are to be urged to fund a charity's drive to end cruelty to children.

More than 68,000 homes are being targeted in an appeal asking people to give £2 a month to support the work of the NSPCC.

Steve Medd, NSPCC community appeals manager, said: "More than 80 per cent of the NSPCC's income comes from voluntary donations - large and small - so we are reliant on the generosity and commitment of our supporters.

"We are asking people to look out for their packs and take action to help us to end cruelty to children."

The charity plans to enlist millions of people for its Talk 'Til It Stops campaign, whether by wearing a full stop badge or wristband, donating, campaigning or raising money.

The NSPCC's South Tees and North Tees branches are both looking for members to help organise future fundraising events.

Mr Medd said: "Volunteers are the lifeblood of the NSPCC. During the latest campaign, the NSPCC is encouraging people everywhere to mobilise - to take action to help end cruelty to children."

A Beatles' tribute band, Beatlemania, is performing a fundraiser at Tall Trees Hotel near Yarm, on Saturday, October 29, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £30 per person. To find out more or to buy tickets, call (0113) 2299 313.

To find out more about fundraising, or for details on events, contact Steve Medd on (01723) 850161. For information on campaigning, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/ campaigning