PUB regulars have raised £1,742 to boost the efforts of a doctor seeking to improve the lives of young people with diabetes.

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

He wants to provide insulin pumps to as many of his child patients as possible. The pumps administer insulin continuously under the skin, reducing the need for up to five daily injections.

The event was the idea of Bill Richardson, from Kentmere, Spennymoor, to thank Dr Lamb for treating his diabetic son, Liam, 14, 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.

"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 after pledging to support the campaign through its employee fundraising scheme. Local employee Glynis Wilson was involved in the event.