VOLUNTEERS and sponsors are needed for a charity bag pack at a Darlington supermarket next month.

The bag pack, in aid of the autism unit at the town's Beaumont Hill School, will take place at Morrisons, in North Road, on Saturday, September 6.

Anyone who helps for at least two hours will receive a McDonalds meal voucher.

One of the organisers, Peter O'Sullivan, is also taking part in the Great North Run on Sunday, September 21, to raise funds for the school.

A pub collection will be held in Darlington on September 20, the evening before the race, and fundraisers are hoping for landladies or landlords to hold events to raise funds for the unit.

Mr O'Sullivan said: "We need the permission of the pubs to collect on the premises, and we are hoping some businesses will get involved in fundraising for the school.

"I am confident we can raise much-needed funds for the children."

He is also hoping businesses will sponsor the run, or make donations to the school.

Anyone wanting to make donations can help the charity raise an additional 28p in the £1 if they also give their name, address and postcode.

For more information, or to help the fundraising effort, phone (01325) 243143.