THE fundraising efforts of a sporting team with Olympic ambitions received a boost this week.

The group of 19 adults with special needs is aiming to raise £7,000 to fund their first visit to the Special Olympics in Glasgow, next June.

They received two cheques of £250 each from Unison and the high street bank Abbey.

Group members, aged from 18 to 50, attend a range of day-care facilities at Beck House, Beaumont Hill School and the Gateway Club, in Darlington.

If they are successful in their fundraising, they will be able to compete in a series of events, including football, swimming and boccia.

Their next event will be a poetry, carols and Christmas readings evening at the Gateway Club, in Salters Lane, on Wednesday, from 7pm.