A FATHER has been overwhelmed by the level of support from villagers and friends to raise money for his injured son.

Ben Woods, 17, from Hurworth, near Darlington, lost his right arm and left leg after being struck by a train in July.

The student from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College has been fitted with prosthetic limbs, but friends hope to raise enough money to buy him more advanced version.

Paul Nixon, landlord of the Station Hotel in Hurworth, organised a charity auction at the weekend to raise money.

Supporters donated lots, including Christmas cake, fish caught from the River Tees and a 45-minute flight round the region.

The pub was packed and bidders raised £3,800 on the night, bringing the total fund up to nearly £5,000.

Ben's father Paul Woods said: "I'm speechless. There were people I haven't seen for years who showed up spending money which they could well do with spending on other things. Ben was really touched by it as well."

More events are planned, including a quiz at the Traveller's Rest pub in Cockerton and table football in the Turks Head in Bondgate.