WORKERS at a Newton Aycliffe factory used pedal power to change to life of at least one local diabetic youngster.

A team of 11 cyclists from the 3M plant on Aycliffe Industrial Estate raised more than £3,400 by completing a gruelling 154-mile charity ride.

The cash has been donated to an appeal fund set up Bishop Auckland consultant paediatrician Bill Lamb to buy insulin pumps for his young diabetic patients.

The pumps let children with diabetes live more normal lives, making it easier to control blood sugar levels as the patient only needs one injection every three days instead of four or more injections every day.

Dr Lamb said: "Unfortunately the pumps are very expensive. Each costs between £2,500 and £2,750 to buy and £1,000 a year to run. Although the NHS meets the maintenance bills, we have to find the funds to buy the pumps from other means.

"Of the 50 youngsters on pumps, 39 have been paid for out of charity money and thanks to the efforts of the 3M cyclists we have more than enough for another one.

"It is only because of the generosity of local people that these children have had such an improvement in their lives."

The charity bike ride was the ninth annual event at the 3M site, which manufactures respirators and environmental protection products.

Ride organiser Paul Richardson said: "We were really pleased to have raised so much and to know the fund is able to buy an insulin pump because of it.

"It's good to think we have helped make a child's life better."

The amount raised by the cyclists was boosted by the company's Care and Share matched funding scheme.