A COMPANY which manages thousands of former council houses has pledged to build up funds for a struggling charity.

Tristar Homes is committing itself to a two-year fundraising drive for Daisy Chain, the Norton charity which aims to provide a respite care and support centre for families who have children with autism.

John McDougall, chairman of Tristar, said: "We really wanted to get involved with a worthwhile local charity because, as a company, we believe wholeheartedly in trying to support good causes.

"We chose Daisy Chain because not only will we be able to help them financially, but it is the sort of charity which could help and be of value to our customers, too."

Stockton-based Tristar and five partners and a sub-contractor recently raised more than £3,000 for the charity, in a boat race. The company has more fundraising projects planned.

Matt Simpson, project manager for Daisy Chain, said; "This is an enormous boost to us at a crucial time in our development.

"Tristar has been great, but it's only just the beginning. It's also coming up with the money for the water feature for our sensory garden. Work on that starts early next month and, by next spring, it should be a wonderful new facility for the children who come here."