By Olivia Beaty

A DARLINGTON landlady has donated £2,000 to two charities after winning £5,000 as part of a community hero award she received.

Kate Umpleby 43, is landlady at The Foresters Arms, in Coatham Mundeville, on the outskirts of the town.

Her fundraising started when she moved into the pub six years ago and came up with the idea of a swear box placed on the bar with the aim of making the pub more family orientated.

£1,000 was raised from this and the money went to St Teresa’s Hospice, in Darlington.

Ms Umpleby, who was named a community hero by the brewery her pub is tied to, said: “It gives me such a good feeling knowing that I am making a difference.”

The pub has served the community in many ways throughout the years and money raised has gone to several different charities including The Yorkshire Regiment.

Ms Umpleby has chosen to donate £1,000 of the £5,000 charity cash she recently received to Butterwick House Hospice, in Stockton.

Butterwick House offers support for children, teenagers and their families, and provides a fun, warm environment with activities to take part in such as games, computers and arts and crafts.

Ms Umpleby added: “The job they do at the centre is tremendous, I am aware they don’t get much funding so I wanted to help.”

The volunteers there are extremely grateful for the generous contribution.

Another £1,000 of the prize money has been donated to Kays Hill animal sanctuary, near West Auckland.

Ms Umpleby chose this as she is aware of the damages been made by the recent strong gales and wants this money to go towards the repairs.

The remaining £3,000 prize money will be spent on the fundraising fanatic’s latest project, which is to build an animal education zone for children in the community.

Animals are very close to her heart and Ms Umpleby has many of her own rescue animals.

The zone will be free of charge and will educate children on topics including the welfare of animals and what to do if they find an animal in need of help.

Vets have volunteered their help, meaning professional advice will be available.