BEER enthusiasts pulled a 13-tonne truck across two villages for charity.

The truck pullers are regulars from the Oak Tree Inn, in Catterick Village, near Richmond, headed by truck driver Derek Donghue-House.

This year is the fourth year the 20-strong group has pulled the 13-tonne Volvo truck, which also includes a low loader trailer for pulling caravans.

They hauled it from the Oak Tree Inn to The Bridge House Hotel, at Catterick Bridge.

Then, after enjoying some refreshments at the hotel, the group headed back to the village.

The truck pullers were accompanied by other volunteers collecting donations and supporters walking behind them.

Each year the event benefits local causes. The first pull raised money for the Balmaclellan Residential Home for people with learning disabilities. The next year, the funds went to Catterick Village Pre School and last year it went to Able, which also helps adults with learning disabilities.

This year the money will be split between Balmaclellan and the pre school. The organisers have not yet totted up the funds raised from yesterday's pull but the last three events combined raised more than £13,500.

As part of their work to help the community the group also painted the pre-school after it was quoted a price of £2,700 for the job, which it could not afford.

Mr Donoghue-House said: "I'm a truck driver and I came up with the idea that we could pull my truck somewhere and back to raise some money for a charity in the village. That's basically how it started.

"It is difficult. There is a bit of an incline going out of the village so it is very difficult going out. Then there is a long straight down to Catterick Bridge then coming back up there is another incline and a right hand bend."

Mr Donoghue-House thanked the staff and patrons of the Oak Tree Inn and Bridge House Hotel and all those who supported the group's efforts.