TWO charities benefited from a day of fun for schoolchildren and staff.

The Chorister School, in Durham, staged the annual charity fundraiser recently, with youngsters paying for the privilege of swapping their uniform for fancy dress for the day.

They also sold donated items on stalls and staged several side shows.

Proceeds amounted to £751.80, which was split between St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham, and the Samaritans North-East.

Cheques were yesterday handed to Caroline Broadfoot, the hospice's community fundraiser, and Dean Smith, on behalf of the Samaritans.

Mr Smith, from Chester-le-Street, was in the public eye when his training for the London Marathon, under the eye of ex-Olympic athletes Steve Cram and Sally Gunnell, was broadcast on the television programme Run for Glory. He completed the course, raising money for the Samaritans in the process.

His niece, Sarah, who presented the cheque, also helped to raise charity money, selling goods as part of business team Make it Mine, at the fun day. They gave a large proportion of their profits to St Cuthbert's Hospice and the Samaritans.

Forthcoming fundraising events include a three-course lunch and talk by Royal writer Penny Junor, at Hardwick Hall Hotel, in Sedgefield, on Wednesday, May 17, from 12.30pm. Tickets cost £30 from Ms Broadfoot, on 0191-386 1170.

Places are also available, on the same number, for the hospice's Sunflower Cycle and Saunter, from Broom Park, near Durham, to Lanchester, on Sunday, May 21.