A HYPNOTIST succeeded in setting a world record during a fundraising event for the Ann Teasdale Appeal.

David Knight broke the world record for speed hypnotism at the third attempt during the event at Redworth Hall Hotel, between Darlington and Bishop Auckland.

Mr Knight needed to hypnotise more than 35 people in just one minute to set a new world best.

He was just short of the record twice, but at the third attempt he succeeded in hypnotising 37 people in 45 seconds.

The event was attended by Ann Teasdale, who is about to fly to the US for urgent medical treatment.

Mrs Teasdale, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has already had to have one leg amputated after contracting the condition, reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome.

The only chance of saving her other leg is if she receives specialist treatment from a doctor in Texas, and supporters have managed to raise £20,000 to send her there.

Mr Knight said: "We achieved two things. The first was to raise some money for Ann and that's what we did. The other thing was the record attempt and it was a bit close, but we got there."

The event, organised by Helen Rickaby, raised hundreds of pounds for the appeal. It included a charity auction, with £100 bid for the use of a Smart Car for the weekend, courtesy of Rycroft, Mercedes-Benz dealership, Stockton.

To help the campaign, contact Bill Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057.