A CHARITY has given the stamp of approval to a fundraiser hoping to beat his own record this year.

In 2013, Darlington man Peter Longstaff collected a staggering 29 kilos of stamps in a bid to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance.

This year, Mr Longstaff hopes to beat that record by adding another six kilos to his total, setting himself a target of more than 35 kilos.

He is being helped in his bid by relatives and residents at the Ventress Hall care home, where he lives.

Care home manager Judy Wray said: “Most people try and lose weight at this time of year, not gain it, but not our Peter.

“He is one of a kind, when he sets his mind to it he really goes for it.”

Mr Longstaff is now appealing to people across the North-East to support him in his bid to collect as many stamps as possible, as well as used printer cartridges, postcards and mobile phones.

He said: “I am really touched by everyone’s commitment to my campaign and tothe wonderful Great North Air Ambulance Service that saves so many lives each year.”

Mandy Drake, spokeswoman for the Great North Air Ambulance, said: "We'd like to thank Peter for his on-going support...the air ambulance flies more than 1,000 missions every year and it could not continue without support such as Peter's."

A collection point has been set up in the reception area of Ventress Hall to allow people to donate towards the record attempt.