PUB-GOERS raised hundreds of pounds to help a mother-of-three receive urgent medical treatment, in a fundraising stunt with a difference.

A group of about 20 people donned their best 70s gear and set off on a fancy dress pub crawl around Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Richard Parker, manager of the town's Lakeside pub, came up with the stunt to raise cash for the Sandra Richardson Stop The Clock Campaign after reading about her plight in The Northern Echo.

The campaign was set up earlier this year by Mrs Richardson's three daughters, Lauren, Hayley and Jonelle, to raise £20,000 for specialist treatment in Mexico.

Mrs Richardson, 51, from Hartlepool, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and is hoping that treatment at the Oasis of Hope Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico, might help to extend her life.

The pub crawlers started off at the Iron Horse pub at 11am, then moved on to the Oak Tree, Aycliffe WMC, the British Legion, the Navy Club and finally the Lakeside at 3pm, where Mr Parker threw a free family fun day.

All of the pubs and clubs involved and Somerfield supermarket supported the event with donations.

Mr Parker said: "We had about 20 people who turned up and we all had a good crack.

"All of the licensees chucked money in and it's been a great success.

"The lads kept saying we should do this every Bank Holiday Monday."

Mr Parker was last night still waiting for all of the money to come in, but hopes to have raised about £600 for the campaign.

Fundraisers announced this week that the campaign was going well and had passed the £10,000 mark.