A UNIQUE challenge taken on by businesses across the town has seen thousands of pounds raised for a vital hospital fundraiser.

Darlington-based solicitors, Latimer Hinks, issued its 125 Challenge to other firms in the borough in a bid to support the Darlington and Bishop Auckland MRI Scanner Appeal.

Each business responding to the call for action was given £125 by the solicitors firm and challenged to convert it into more cash for the hospital appeal.

More than £2,000 has been raised via the campaign to fund a state-of-the-art MRI scanner.

Latimer Hinks decided to celebrate their 125th anniversary with the 125 Challenge and have announced that Darlington firm Terry Kneeshaw Art won the overall contest by raising more than £1,300.

Mr Kneeshaw, who began selling his artwork professionally while still at school, used the £125 to invest in A3 prints of North-East landmarks created specifically for the appeal by the artist himself.

Prints were sold for £5 each through the artist’s website and were purchased by supporters from as far afield as France and Australia, as well as across the UK.

The original, produced in watercolour and ink, was commissioned by Maguires Country Parks for its marketing materials, and will be auctioned at the NHS MRI Scanner Appeal Ball at Hardwick Hall later this month.

Anne Elliott, chief executive of Latimer Hinks Solicitors, said: “The competition has been a great opportunity to highlight this worthwhile Appeal to businesses throughout the area. I hope others will follow their lead and support the Scanner Appeal in whatever way they can.

“MRI scanners are an essential piece of equipment for any hospital. However they are expensive to buy and maintain.

"We are delighted to have been able to help make a significant donation towards Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland General Hospital getting theirs.”

Darlington artist Mr Kneeshaw added: “I’m honoured that so many people chose to buy my print to support the scanner appeal.

"Being presented with the award is wonderful, but the patients will be the real winners when the appeal hits its target.”