A BANK account has been set up to accept donations towards an appeal to help a young mother with a crippling disease.

Ann Teasdale, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, developed the rare condition Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome after undergoing a simple bunion operation.

She has already had one leg amputated and faces having the other removed unless her family and friends can raise the £20,000 she needs for treatment in the US.

Organisers of the appeal have teamed up with the Darlington Building Society, which has agreed to set up an account.

Anyone wanting to donate can do so at any branch by asking for the Ann Teasdale Appeal account.

Local councillors Bill Blenkinsopp and Terry Hogan have been busy drumming up support from businesses and have made £100 donations from their own pockets.

Money has been donated by Aycliffe Fabrications, Joy Marie Hair Design, D&S Moulds and Repairs, Dynea, and Glaxo.

County Councillors Dennis Morgan and Barbara Howarth have also contributed, along with Barry Blenkinsopp, from Bishop Auckland.

Raffle prize donations have been received from Ashwood Arts, Electrolux, 3M and the Sleep Inn.

Collecting tins have been placed in Don Walkers Butchers, Paul Gittins greengrocers shop, Stevens Newsagents, Aycliffe Trading Estate post office, Dandy Cart post office, Thames Butchers, Headstart Hairdressers, McDonalds and the North Briton, Royal Telegraph and County pubs.

Coun Blenkinsopp said: "The people of Aycliffe are really getting behind the appeal and have been very generous, but this is a race against time.

"Ann needs the treatment as soon as possible and we really need as much help as we can get."

For more information on the appeal, call Coun Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057.