A Darlington gym has managed to raise thousands of pounds in support of a local foodbank.

The Step Up for September campaign was run by the Physique Health Club, Darlington Baptist Church, Darlington FC Foundation and Tees Valley Sport. 

The plan was to get the community together to collectively walk, run or cycle 1000 miles to raise money for the Basement foodbank, based on Grange Road.

In total, the community raised just over £3,000.

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Phil Hetherington, a Free Steps to Fitness member, was stuck for 26 years in a damaging cycle of alcohol addiction.

He has now been sober for 12 months.

He approached the Steps to Fitness organisers and wanted to give back to the community and the local foodbank based in the Basement at Grange Road Baptist Church.

Barry Thompson, Minister for Darlington Baptist Church, wanted to thank members of the community who had come together to help such a good cause.

He said: "A huge thank you to our business friends in the community where they have been accepting donations and a big thank you to all members of Physique who have put in the miles over the past month and been donating both money and food.   

"The money raised and food donated will help those in need over the coming months and ease their struggling. 

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"Working in the community both Free Steps to Fitness and our work with local schools has been rewarding and it is fantastic to be able to give back to our local community."

The Basement operates three days a week offering hot meals, food parcels and support for those in need.

The project has seen a huge increase in its use due to the cost-of-living crisis and the sponsorship and donations from Step Up to September will be a lifesaver for those that are struggling.