ORGANISERS of a County Durham town's annual charity crusade are celebrating a record-breaking year.

The annual Chilton Charity Fundraiser has already realised £4,800 and when cash from online pledges and other activities is counted, the final total is expected to top £6,000 – double the previous best.

The event featured a four-team football challenge followed by a social afternoon at the Chilton and Windlestone Workingmen's Club featuring guest singers, an open mic session, raffle and auction – and even a sponsored beard shave.

The fundraiser began life in 2008 as a charity football match and every year since money has been raised for deserving local causes.

Darren Williams, one of the organisers, said the money raised this year will go towards research into head and neck cancer at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle.

The Freeman was chosen as it was where Chilton resident Kevin Simpson's life was saved after he was diagnosed with cancer of the gullet in 2010.

Mr Simpson, who is well known in Northern League footballing circles, was involved in Chilton's first fundraising match and was present for this year's activities.

Mr Williams said: “It was a fantastic community day.

“It originally started as a laugh and a football match between old guys and young guys and has now become a recognised annual event.”