TEENAGE runners could take a charity's appeal to set up a research centre close to the finishing line.

One hundred and five students at Durham Sixth Form Centre, in Durham City, have signed up to do the Great North Run for the Clarke Lister Appeal.

The appeal was set up in memory of Clarke Lister, a Peterlee schoolboy who died of a brain haemorrhage.

His parents, Brian and Carole, want to set up the country's first research centre into brain haemorrhages on Teesside.

They need £100,000 to get the project going, and have so far got about £87,000.

Mr Lister said: "Clarke's sister, Michelle, went to the college, and last year a group of students did the run and raised sponsorship for us. We didn't know anything about it until they said they would like to give us a cheque.

"They asked to run again for us. There are 105 of them and, in total, there will be 120 runners raising money for us.

"The students did a marvellous job last year, and to come back and do it again is great.

"Three of them have rung to say they have got £160 sponsorship. If they all raised £120 that would take us to our target.''

The appeal, the patrons of which are Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper, Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson, Everton star Paul Gascoigne and radio presenter Paul Gough, will fund research into the causes of haemorrhages and provide support to victims and bereaved families.

l A charity night will be held on Saturday, September 30, at The Oaklands pub, Peterlee, featuring local band Source.

The band is giving its time free and will play music from the 1960s to the 1990s. There will be a buffet and raffle. Tickets cost £2.50 from the pub. For details call 0191-518 0330.