A Darlington hospice has benefited from one of the region's largest races.

St Teresa's Hospice in the town sees the Great North Run in October last year as a "winning day" for the hospice.

There were 15 runners in the race who were sponsored to raise cash for the Darlington charity.

The combined total of just over £4,500 was handed to the hospice at a presentation last night.

All the runners were presented with a St Teresa'a Hospice fundraising certificate of achievement.

Jane Bradshaw, hospice director, said: "The half-marathon represents a huge challenge for the runners and attracts people from all walks of life.

"The hospice is delighted that 15 people ran their personal best on our behalf and have raised such a fantastic amount for the work of the local hospice. I want to thank them for their efforts on our behalf.

"We are obviously delighted with the huge amount raised by our supporters at last year's event and want to encourage others to follow their example in the 2001 Bupa Great North Run.

"This year's event takes place on September 16 and we would encourage as many people as possible to consider running on our behalf."