A YOUNGSTER who suffers from the skin complaint eczema is enlisting the help of his schoolmates to raise money for a charity dedicated to the condition.

Kelloe Primary School pupil John Todd, six, has so far raised £80 for the National Eczema Society by selling items including balloons and stickers at school.

A raffle, table top sale and a sponsored walk from Kelloe to Cassop, about three miles away, are also planned to increase the cash going to the charity.

Headteacher Carol Musztacs said: "John suffers badly from eczema, but he is a great boy and puts in a lot of effort.

"He joins in PE, but he finds it really difficult to write as his skin is inflamed. Everyday activities that we take for granted are very painful.

"He has to have lots of creams and bandages on, but he never really complains.

"He and his mother, Pat, decided to raise money for the society because he feels sorry for other children who have eczema and we were delighted to help.''

A table top sale will be held on Saturday, May 26, at Cassop's Victoria Inn, at noon.

It will be followed by a children's party and raffle at 2pm, and a karaoke night at 8pm.

The walk will take place the following day, starting from the Davy Lamp pub at 10.30am.

There will be entertainment from 8pm.

Admission is free.