Race promoter Cyril Whitfield hopes to have raised more than £1,500 at a stock car meeting in memory of one of his employees who died at a young age.

Several drivers gave back their winnings at the Barford Raceway near Barnard Castle, County Durham, to add to a fund in honour of Stuart Downes.

Mr Whitfield said: "I've still a few donations to come in, but I'm sure we will top the £1,500 mark. I'm pleased about it, as Stuart was a helpful and popular man."

Mr Downes, who lived in Spennymoor, was a steward at the track before he died of cancer five years ago. All the money raised for him will be given to cancer research.

A Formula Two stock car trophy race is held each year in Mr Downes' memory. Ian Thompson of Belfast, who won last year, returned to compete again and urged spectators to give as much as possible to the fund.

Maureen Bainbridge, chairwoman of the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK, said: "We are grateful to Mr Whitfield and all the drivers for doing so much to boost the fund."

The trophy race was won by Gordon Moodie of Scotland, with Ian Thompson second and James Thackra of Huddersfield third.

Mr Downes' father, Michael, said, "I'm thankful to everyone who does so much for research and to keep his memory alive."