A YORK landlord was shocked on opening his post to find a cheque from Hollywood acting legend Paul Newman.
The movie star donated $1,500 (£1,027) to Jim Hardie, landlord of the Blue Bell in York.
The 42 year-old plans to cycle 240 miles from London to York on the Dick Turpin Cycle Ride in July.
Money raised from the event will go to the Lidgett Grove School in Acomb and the York District Hospital's children's ward.
Newman gave the money after hearing about the race from an employee who visited the pub on a trip to the UK.
Thomas Indoe, vice-president of the charitable food concern 'Newman's Own', saw the sponsorship form and poster in the pub and backed Mr Hardie at £1 a mile.
On return to the US Mr Indoe told his employer who signed the cheque personally.
In response pub regular Paul Martin decided to match it and donated £1,027.
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