A GRANDFATHER has praised workmates who have rallied round to raise money in memory of his grandson, who died from cot death syndrome.

Benson Gillham was 13 weeks old when he died in his sleep at his home in Stanley, near Crook, County Durham, in March.

After his death, his mother, Catherine, 24, channelled her grief into raising money for research into cot death.

Catherine's father George Gillham also wanted to do his bit and, with the help of colleagues at Thorn Lighting, in Spennymoor, has now raised £1,041.

Mr Gillham, who has worked at the company for 35 years, approached bosses, who donated the winning prize of a deep fat frier for a raffle, and helped write letters to other companies asking for prizes to boost funds.

A sponsored walk by Mr Gillham's stepdaughter, Alison Milburn, who works on the shop floor at the company, also added to the total.

Human resources manager at the company, Joanne Lee, said: "Obviously, we were fully aware of the circumstances and we knew who Benson was. We were more than happy to help out any way we could."

Mr Gillham said he was delighted by the support he received.

He said: "I couldn't believe it at first. The support I have received from the people on the shop floor and from the management has been great. I am just so grateful."