A COUPLE got much more than they bargained for when they asked their local supermarket for help in raising cash for a much-needed scooter for their disabled son.

Staff at Asda in Stanley not only offered to pitch in but, with the generous help of its customers, raised the entire amount needed within weeks.

Asda manager Brian Johnson presented a delighted Adam Prow, 18, and his parents Pauline and Alan with his new transport.

Adam, who has Down's Syndrome and has limited speech, expressed his clear elation. "Mint. Mint. Mint. Brilliant," he said.

Pauline, of nearby Burnhope, said: "We could not believe it.

"Adam has been a prisoner in his own home. This will give him a lot more freedom.

"Now he'll be able to go and visit his brother and sister who live nearby.

"He cannot go further on his own, but it also means more freedom for me. If we go out he can ride next to me. It is brilliant."

Mrs Prow said Adam had grown up with problems to his knees, hips and bottom of his spine, made worse following a road accident.

She said: "We had been trying to organise raffles, jumble sales and other events in Burnhope, when we approached Asda and asked if they could hold a tombola." Asda Events co-ordinator Marsha Spence said: "Asda likes to help the community.

"We thought rather than just having the one tombola, which would not have raised the funds, we would take it up and raise everything."

Staff and customers raised £1,795 through quiz nights and raffles with £250 from the Dragon Slayers motorcycle club.

The company Aqua Soothe agreed to a discount for the Travel Lite scooter and gave Adam a £200 voucher for backup equipment.