A TEESDALE group has doubled the money it has raised this year in aid of St Teresa's Hospice with a fundraising night.

The Clique held a charity night on Saturday, November 25, at the White Swan pub in Startforth, near Barnard Castle, raising £1,665.

The charity night took the funds raised for the hospice by the group this year to nearly £3,000.

Fundraising events organised by the Clique this year in aid of the Darlington hospice have included a bed push and balloon race, as well as the charity night, with entertainment provided by a live band and disco.

The Clique, an all-male group from the Barnard Castle area, has been fundraising for more than 30 years, raising nearly £100,000 for local organisations and appeals in the Teesdale area.

They have also donated to the Air Ambulance, the scouts and mobility scooters, as well as raising money earlier this year to enable St Teresa's Hospice to buy an electric oxygen concentrator.

Allan Walker, secretary of Clique, said: "The sole purpose of the Clique has always been to raise money and, as a team, we enjoy providing events for the local community to enjoy, while they help us in our fundraising aims.

"The majority of the money we raise stays local, aiding charities and organisations in the Teesdale area.

"When we were approached by St Teresa's Hospice, we had no hesitation in offering to aid the hospice with its fundraising."

Jane Bradshaw, director of St Teresa's Hospice, said: "The donations will make a massive difference to our work. We are truly grateful for their efforts and the generosity of the local community."