A LINE dancing and country music club has paid tribute to a founder member, who died last year, by raising more than £4000 for charity.

Members of Simply The West, which is based at West Auckland Workingmen's Club, held a charity night and made collections in memory of the late Geoff Meads.

Mr Meads, who died in November after an asthma attack, helped start the club eight years ago.

The former miner's family and friends have collected donations for Bishop Auckland General Hospital's asthma clinic and St Helen's surgery, which both cared for Mr Meads.

His wife, Val, said that as news spread about what she and the club were doing, other clubs sent donations and local bands performed free of charge for a charity night.

She said she has been thrilled with the support and thanked everyone who donated their time and money.

The surgery was given £750 to buy four nebulisers and two portable oxygen tanks to help asthma suffers in the community, and the hospital received £3,200 for two vital pieces of equipment, which help patients with breathing problems.

The presentations do not signal the end of fundraising as the club is planning another charity night.