A NUMBER of events organised in a village in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance have proved more successful than expected, bringing in about £5,000.

The cash will be handed over to a representative of the air ambulance team at a party night in the social club in Hamsterley, near Barnard Castle, on Saturday, September 15.

Trish Hayes, the club stewardess, who has been leading the fundraising events, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have raised so much. We are grateful for all the support we have received in the area."

The festivities started with a summer ball, followed by a hog roast and beach party. Then came the Hamsterley Hoppings, a revival of a fair that was first held in the village more than a century ago. The fair, on Sunday, included craft and produce stalls, sideshows, children's games, a flyball dog demonstration and a tug-of-war contest.

Ms Hayes said: "We had a wonderful day. We had hoped to attract 200 or 300 people, but were thrilled to welcome nearly 700. There was a fantastic spirit all the way through."

A scarecrow competition was won by Reuban and Susan Smith, with a comical scene of a postman being chased by a dog.

Tickets for the presentation night are on sale, for £3, in the club. The event will start at 7.30pm.

Ms Hayes said: "I'm sure our takings on the night will take our total over the £5,000 mark, so we will have a really good cheque to hand over."