PUB regulars have hit new fund raising heights during a year helping their chosen charity.

Staff and customers from The Market Tavern, in Chester-le-Street have spent the last 12 months raising money for the military charity Help For Heroes.

The pub has hosted several charity nights and raffles, supported by local businesses, but the main event was a sponsored skydive which saw brave volunteers hurtle towards the ground from 12,000ft above Shotton Airfield, in County Durham.

On Sunday, pub owners Glen Sutherland and wife Tracey were joined by some of their regulars in handing over a cheque for £5,529.09 to Anthony Went, county co-ordinator for Help For Heroes.

Mr Sutherland said: “We would like to thank everyone involved.

“It is a fantastic amount and the fund raising will continue for this worthy cause. The plan is to exceed this year’s total.”