TODDLERS to teenagers ran alongside an inspirational doctor who is jogging to raise money for specialist equipment for children with diabetes.

Dr Bill Lamb notched up another ten miles yesterday to take the distance he has completed, since starting his fundraising campaign in June this year, to 600 miles.

The paediatric consultant, who works at Bishop Auckland General Hospital, wants to buy as many insulin pumps as he can for the children in his care, before expanding the service to the whole of the North-East.

He became frustrated with delays in obtaining funding from National Health Service sources and pledged to run 500 miles before taking part in this month's Great North Run.

Yesterday, a fun run was held so children aged three to 18 could show their support by running with Dr Lamb at Shildon running track.

He said: "A lot of children wanted to run part of the way with me so I thought a fun run at a sports centre would be a good idea because they could do as much or as little as they wanted and it was safe.

"I had a wonderful time, it is very encouraging when people turn out to show their support.

"I've had families of patients I've treat for problems other than diabetes, people I cared for over a decade ago and some from further away help with my fundraising.

"It is very rewarding because I know what a difference the pumps can make, allowing a child who has to have several insulin injections a day to go to one every three.

"Insulin pumps offer such a better standard of life and freedom to people with diabetes."