REGULARS at a pub in Evenwood rallied round to raise £1,500 for one of their friends who suffered an accident which confined him to a wheelchair.

Ian Whillians, who lives in the village, suffered the injuries three months ago, which meant that he is unable to walk.

Regulars at the Bay Horse pub, in Manor Street, helped raise funds for him with a series of events.

"We did hair shaving, a tug of war, karaoke competitions, raffles and a tombola," said landlord Eileen Todd.

"He's a local lad and he had an accident, so we have got together and raised money for him. He was overwhelmed."

Mr Whillians was presented with the cheque yesterday, and will use the money to buy a new wheelchair.