A FUN day and hog roast hosted by a pub has boosted the charity appeal of Hartlepool Borough Council chairman, Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher.

Nearly £250 was raised from raffle tickets, cash donations and the sale of Chair Bear pin badges - commissioned by Councillor Akers-Belcher to raise money for his appeal.

About 100 people attended the fundraiser at the Raby Arms, in Hart Village, near Hartlepool.

The money raised at the event has been added to chairman's appeal fund in aid of seven local youth organisations - The Belle Vue Youth Project, Central Correctors, Hartlepool Young Carers, Nurturing Young People's Development, The Phoenix Funsters, The Rifty Youth Project and the Wharton Annexe.

Raby Arms landlady Jane Anderson said: "I have always worked in community-minded pubs and I want to thank everyone who supported this event and made it such a big success."

Councillor Akers-Belcher said: "Without the support of local businesses, my appeal wouldn't be doing as well as it is.

"I would like to thank Jane, her staff and everyone who supported the day and made it a success and such an enjoyable event."

The running total stands at about £14,000.