AN international disabled teenage athlete was invited to a draw a raffle held in her honour at her former nursery.

Oxhill Nursery on Eden Terrace, in Stanley, asked 16-year-old Mary Suggett to be their guest of honour yesterday.

She is raising funds to go to the US to compete in an athletics competition, representing Great Britain.

Mary, of Browning Close, east Stanley, suffers from cerebral palsy but, despite being in a wheelchair most of the time, she is taking part in the discus, shot putt and club-throwing at the CP-ISRA World Championships, in Connecticut.

The Easter raffle has raised about £140 to help send her on her way.

Headteacher Pearl Robinson said: "It amazing that someone can overcome a disability and do as fantastically well as she has.

"I am sure she will do well while she is there.

"I would like to thank all of the parents for their generosity and support."

Mary has won four gold medals in the past four years. She attends the specialist Percy Hedley School, in Forest Hall, Newcastle.

To help send Mary to the US, call her family on (01207) 281137.