MORE than £1,500 has been raised for a hospital's children's ward thanks to fundraising by a teenager.

Fifteen-year-old Samantha Weller organised and hosted a Tux and Gowns ball at the Blackwell Grange Hotel, in Darlington, to raise money for the town's Memorial Hospital.

Samantha, who was crowned Darlington Young Citizen of the Year for this year, invited a number of guests including mayor of Darlington Councillor Marian Swift, and her escort, Councillor Jenny Chapman; the winner of BBC's Strictly Dance Fever and Darlington Citizen of the Year, Darrien Wright; and presenter of Alpha 103.2 Tim West.

Mr West hosted a charity auction during the evening which raised an extra £500 to add to the final total of more than £1,500.

Samantha said: "It has taken months of preparation and there have been a lot of problems to overcome on the way, but it was all worth it. Everything came together perfectly and the evening was a huge success.

"A special thank-you should be made to the people who have helped both with the preparation and planning of the event and various jobs on the evening - these people being Martin Wilson, Helen Robb, Melissa Marrison, George Bedingfield, Alison Gent, Sarah Morley, Joe Jopling of Ultimate Sounds and Anne Francis and Rachel Hudson, from the Blackwell Grange Hotel.

"Everyone I have spoken to have said how much they enjoyed the evening, and I am definitely considering arranging another event like this for the children's ward in the future."