FOUR village pubs in North Yorkshire have joined forces to help raise cash for research into a rare and incurable skin disease.

The Wellington Heifer at Ainderby Steeple, the New Inn at Thrintoft and Morton-on-Swale's Swaledale Arms and Old Royal George are to battle it out in a softball challenge tournament.

The games, on September 25, mark the second anniversary of the death of Jonny Kennedy, whose lifelong battle against an excruciating condition touched the hearts of millions in the award-winning TV documentary, The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off.

He suffered from incurable epidermolysis bullosa, a painful and disabling condition where the skin blisters and shears at the slightest touch. He later died from EB-related skin cancer.

The charity DebRA is the only organisation which provides practical support and funds research into the disease and fundraising events are taking place across the region this month.

The softball tournament takes place on the Ainderby and Morton Playing Fields at 2.30pm. Before the match, starting at 2pm, there is a car boot sale. Stalls are welcome. Car space costs £5.

Another feature of the day, at 4pm, is a balloon race for which tickets, at £1, can be obtained from any of the four participating pubs.

For more details of the DebRA 4 Pub Challenge and to book car boot spaces, contact John Everson on (01609) 761056 or mobile 07747 474054.