YOUNGSTERS from Darlington Table Tennis Club had an exhausting time at the weekend as they continued their efforts to raise money for a trip to Hungary.

The junior team, whose members are aged between ten and 13, aims to raise more than £5,000 so that they can represent England at the World Youth Games in August.

To achieve their aim they organised a 12-hour sponsored table tennis marathon at Darlington's Dolphin Centre.

The day before the youngsters had been fundraising at the town's Cornmill Shopping Centre, where they organised a tombola and put on table tennis demonstrations.

Members of the public were able to pay £1 to test their skills against the club's Robot player, a machine which fires out table tennis balls at high speeds.

Club coach Keith Wilson said it was hoped that the fundraising efforts over the weekend would bring the total collected so far for the trip to more than £3,000.

He said: "We and the parents are determined that the youngsters will go to Hungary.

"Everything over the weekend went really well, and the kids were able to show the people of Darlington how talented they are."

Mr Wilson thanked the Cornmill and Dolphin centres for donating the space needed by the youngsters.

Anyone who would like to help with fundraising should contact him on (01325) 249777.