STUDENTS from a Darlington college, and their families, hosted a 24-hour badminton tournament to raise money for charity.

The event was held at the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form college earlier this month in aid of the Jennifer Trust.

The charity lends care and support, as well as provides funding for research to find a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

The group also held a raffle, which raised £460.

The event was organised by student Louise Trueman. Her aunt, Tracy Chadd, of Darlington, said: "My son, Matthew, died last September from Spinal Muscular Atrophy type one aged only three months.

"We are doing all we can to bring awareness of the condition in his memory."

The players are still collecting sponsorship money, but they hope to have raised more than £1,500.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a neuromuscular condition which causes weakness of the muscles.