CHARITY bosses raised a toast to pub regular Mel Athey after his athletic efforts boosted their funds.

Wheelchair-user Mr Athey competed in this year's Darlington 10km road run and finished the course unaided, to raise £300 for Darlington Association on Disability (Dad).

Staff and customers at his local pub, the Royal Oak, in Yarm Road, sponsored him to raise money for the charity's Dash play scheme to buy play equipment, including a toy castle. Mr Athey said: "The support I have had from the Royal Oak staff and people who drink there has been fantastic."