A CHARITY dinner with Cabinet Minister Clare Short has provided a Scout group with a boost.

The Minister for International Development was guest speaker at Bishop Auckland Constituency Labour Party's dinner last month.

The occasion, at Auckland Castle, raised £400 for charity, some of which has helped the 2nd Bishop Auckland Scout Group, which is in desperate need of a new minibus.

Scout leader Derek Ward said transport was vital to the group, so members could go to Scout camp and on other trips.

Mr Ward said: "Our group has about 100 members and takes in kids from varying backgrounds, from council estates to those who go to private schools.

"The minibus enables us to take them further afield, maintaining and interesting and varied programme."

Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster has presented them with a £200 cheque. Another £200 went to Bishop Auckland Butterwick Hospice