A girl's determination to help the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster inspired dozens of people to support a fundraising event yesterday.

Nine-year-old Katie Newton, from Darlington, organised a fun run to raise money for the appeal and encouraged her friends and teachers to take part at the town's Eastbourne Sports Complex.

The St Augustine's Primary School pupil and her fellow runners are expected to raise hundreds of pounds.

Katie's mother, Tanya Newton, said: "When we watched the tsunami news reports, we were really quite distressed and Katie said she wanted to do something.

"We live next to the sports complex so that was ideal and Katie wanted to do something that she could involve her friends in.

"They also let us use the facilities for free, which we are very grateful for."