CHAMPION fundraiser Ray Mankin has raised more than £3,700 for charity by entertaining youngsters.

Mr Mankin, 76, of Blackhall Mill, in Gateshead, spent ten days this summer in the Gateshead MetroCentre displaying his hand-made model fairgrounds and trams, and raised £3,704.

Mr Mankin has spent the past 20 years making and painting the models, which include carousels, swings and a waltzer.

He has visited the MetroCentre for the past 13 years, raising more than £75,000 for charities such as Cancer Care and the British Heart Foundation.

He said: "I have been attending the MetroCentre for a number of years and I am delighted with the generosity of the centre's shoppers. The charities are always elated when they receive much-needed funds."

Karen Carr, MetroCentre marketing manager, said: "Ray has been visiting the MetroCentre for so long that he feels like part of the fixtures and fittings.

"It is without doubt one of the most popular promotions for both young and old at the centre. Shoppers never cease to be amazed by the workmanship that has gone into the operation of the model fairground."