TWO cancer charities are celebrating a cash windfall thanks to generous south Durham fundraisers.

A new support group for bowel cancer sufferers, the Colorectal Unit at the University Hospital of North Tees, and Cancer Research, Newcastle, shared £1,730.

Sedgefield's Inner Wheel and Rotary Club raised the money by hosting a race night, inspired by member Melvyn Carr's fight with bowel cancer.

Club president Lucy Hutchinson and Mr Carr's wife, Ann, presented the cheque to the hospital's consultant surgeon, Mohammed Tabaqali, and specialist nurse Norma Robinson.

Mrs Carr said: "As some of our members have been treated by the team at the hospital we were very keen to raise funds for what we felt was a very worthwhile cause.

"We were delighted when we heard they were setting up a support group. My husband and I had a lot of support and help and it would be great for others to have that as well through the group."

Dr Mohammed said: "This donation will help our support group get off to a flying start and provide invaluable help for people with bowel cancer. Thank you to the club."