PIGEON fanciers are staging a fundraising charity auction.

North-East enthusiasts have donated young birds for an auction to be held at Middlestone Moor Workingmen's Club, near Spennymoor, on Sunday, March 24.

The event is for the neurology unit at Middlesbrough General Hospital which will get the money on March 28, at a presentation night featuring a raffle.

Those donating prizes include Thorn Lighting, Asda, Black and Decker, Clems Fish Restaurant and the King Fisher pub, all Spennymoor, Volante in Trimdon Grange and Fawcetts Butchers.

Anyone wanting to donate a pigeon for the auction, or wanting more details should ring (01388) 810966.

Organiser Jeff Simpson said: "In previous years we've raised about £2,000."