A SEVENTIETH birthday provided an ideal opportunity for recovered heart patient David Franks to help other sufferers.

The retired building contractor put up a number of prizes which he raffled at a recent party for family, friends and former school pals.

It raised £300 and a friend, who has also suffered heart problems, agreed to match the sum.

A cheque for £600 was presented to the British Heart Foundation on Wednesday by Mr Franks.

Fiona Turner, the foundation's regional manager, said: "It's a marvellous gesture.

"Mr Franks has obviously benefited from the services on offer to heart patients in the region, and he's giving something back.

"We're grateful for all local support we receive like this."

Mr Franks said his parents both died in their mid-sixties from heart conditions, and he believes it may be a congenital condition. His problems started three years ago, with a heart murmur, and he was eventually referred to a specialist at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.

"It resulted in me going through two operations, but it seems to have been a success, and I've felt really well since."

Mr Franks stepped back from the family business he built up over 42 years when his health problems arose, and it is now in the hands of son, David.

Mr Franks lives in Gilesgate, Durham, with his wife, Jennifer.

His recent 70th birthday party was held at the Crossways Hotel, in Thornley, east Durham, which was built by his company.