A family fighting for justice for their son who died in a Greek hospital have hit their fundraising target.

The parents of Christopher Rochester, 24, of Chester-le-Street, fly to Rhodes on Saturday for an appeal by three doctors convicted of his man- slaughter through negligence.

The generosity of people in the town means that Mr Rochester's parents, Pam and George Cummings, have the money to cover for their legal expenses.

"In a week of solid fundraising we got more than £3,000," said Mr Cummings, who is Mr Rochester's stepfather.

"We held a music night at Osbourne WMC and expected to raise about £600, but we got £1,100.

"We can't thank enough the people of Chester-le-Street and the surrounding area for their generosity. Without their help we wouldn't be able to go to Rhodes on Saturday and get justice for Chris.

"We have received a great deal of strength and support from people, not just money. If we get what we want out there it will be their success as well as ours.''

The doctors were convicted in 2003 and jailed for three years, but the sentence was not implemented pending an appeal which is automatically available under Greek law.

The doctors are still practising and the family say they want to spare other families the agony they have suffered.

The family says Mr Rochester, a barman and pub DJ, did not get the treatment he needed after a balcony fall.

The Cummings have had to hire two lawyers, one from Athens and another based on Rhodes, to argue for the convictions to be upheld.

Without the representation, estimated to cost £4,500 for a three-day hearing, the family could lose their battle.