A MAN whose son died of cancer has raised £1,000 for research into the disease.

Michael Reynolds, from Shildon, decided to raise money for The Cancer Research Campaign after his son, Paul, died in October.

He organised a fundraising event at Shildon Railway Institute, where he auctioned signed Newcastle United and Sunderland footballs.

Century Radio's Gary Phillips made a guest appearance.

Rebecca Laverick, of the Cancer Research Campaign, received the cheque, saying: "We are very grateful to Michael and his family, particularly given their sad and very recent loss.

"Thank you to everyone who helped make this night such a success. Thanks also to the people of Shildon who came along and gave their support."

The charity funds a third of all cancer research in the UK.

Last year it spent more than £1.5m on research carried out in Newcastle alone