A SAD family farewell has led to a generous donation to a charity devoted to helping adults with learning disabilities.

The funeral of Ken Hopkin was held at St Mary's Church, Richmond, in April and the congregation gave donations for Northallerton-based charity Chopsticks.

It resulted in charity chairman John Coulson being presented with almost £720 by Ken's stepson, Gareth Wright, a member of the Chopsticks team.

A Chopsticks spokesman said: "This will make a huge contribution towards our plan for a purpose-built workshop on Darlington Road Industrial Park."

The move will allow the charity to expand, modernise and develop its activities for the benefit of adults with learning disabilities.

Gareth himself has been supported at Chopsticks for five years where he has been trained as a valued member of the team which packages kindling wood for sale to local wholesalers, shops and the public.