A MAN has launched a fundraising campaign in memory of his wife who died recently after a brave battle against cancer.

The tight-knit community of Shildon has rallied round chip shop owner Danny Scott to help him raise money for the Butterwick Hospice in Bishop Auckland.

So far £2,200 has been raised for the Betty Scott Appeal through different events held in the past few weeks.

Local businesses donated prizes for a raffle at Elm Road Club, Shildon, that raised £1,000 and an evening of entertainment featuring Just Michelle and local band Resthouse raised a further £1,000 at the town's Railway Institute.

John Bennett, from Benny's Fish Bar in the town, raised £200 by hosting a barbecue and Garnett Coaches, in Tindale, Bishop Auckland, donated one of its buses for a sponsored bus pull this weekend.

Mr Scott is now planning to run an amateur talent show with a first prize of £300 and is looking for people to take part in the event at the Railway Institute.

Anyone wanting to enter the talent show or donate money to the Betty Scott Appeal should contact Mr Scott on (01388) 778767.