A CHARITY night in honour of popular pub landlord has raised more than £2,200.

The money was raised in memory of Roger Balsillie, who worked in a number of pubs in the Chester-le-Street area. He died in March and his friends organised the special night and will be donating the cash to the heart unit at the University Hospital of North Durham.

The raffle, auction and comedy bingo night was held at Grange Villa Social Club on Saturday night.

Organiser John Heslop said: "Roger was a very well known and popular local personality and the room was full for the event.

"We were grateful to Roger's sister, Wendy, and the rest of the family members for agreeing to allow us to put the event on, bearing in mind that it is only a comparatively short time since Roger's death.

"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening and we would like to extend our appreciation to the committee, bar staff and members of Grange Villa Social Club for their excellent help and support in hosting the event.

"It really is pleasing to find that the local club is ready to support the community in hosting such an event as this and it does mean a lot to people in affording them the opportunity to celebrate the life of a person they held dear while also making a contribution to a worthy cause in his memory."