PUB goers have handed over more than £700 to the Great North Air Ambulance Service following their annual Christmas fundraising.

Regulars at The Half Moon, in Darlington's Northgate, raised the money in December in aid of the charity, which relies on donations to operate its three helicopters and rapid response vehicles.

Paula Fenton, who organised the fundraising, said: "We get a lot of motor bikers and fell walkers who come in and they always want to support the air ambulance.

"We have so many people who are affected by its work.

"We always do fundraising for them through December which culminates in a raffle draw and we play some silly games and have some music.

"Local breweries and businesses have really supported is as well and we couldn't do it without our awesome customers who bring in things and make hampers.

"I was shocked by how much we raised because it's just a small pub. It's the regulars that do it."

She also thanked pub landlord John Anderson for his help.

GNAAS volunteer Ed Kirkham visited the pub to pick up the cheque.

He said: "We very much appreciate what we are given so thank you very much.We couldn't do it without you because every penny we get comes from private sources."