GENEROUS pub regulars raised £1,742 to boost the efforts of a doctor who has launched a cash crusade to improve the lives of young people with diabetes.

The Ash Tree, in Carr Lane, Spennymoor, hosted an auction and raffle in support of paediatric consultant Dr Bill Lamb, who is raising funds to help patients at Bishop Auckland and Darlington.

He wants to provide insulin pumps, which give insulin continuously reducing the need for up to five daily injections, to children in his care.

The event was the idea of Bill Richardson, of Kentmere, Spennymoor, who wanted to thank Dr Lamb for treating his son Liam, 14, for diabetes, and pub landlady Faye Porthouse.

Mr Richardson said: "Dr Lamb is not only a good doctor but he, and the specialist diabetes nurse, have been a great support to our family.

"Simple things like being at the end of the phone with advice while we were on holiday has really helped us. It is an important campaign. We wanted to help because we can appreciate how difficult it can be for a young person to be restricted by diabetes."

Barclay's Bank topped up the total with a £750 cheque through its Employee Fund-raising Scheme as employee Glynis Wilson was involved in the event.