A NORTH-EAST boxing hero has kicked off a fundraising campaign for a charity close to his heart.

Former bantamweight world boxing champion Stuart Hall visited the Darlington branch of Specsavers on Thursday (July 24) to support the hard fundraising work being undertaken.

One charity to benefit from the campaign is St Teresa’s Hopsice.

Mr Hall’s late aunt received treatment at the hospice during her battle with cancer.

He was quick to praise the excellent care received by his aunt at the hospice and confirmed his continued commitment to the local campaign.

He said: “I only train round the corner, so if anyone rings me, I am always available for charity, particularly this one.”

The store has organised a number of activities throughout August with donations given to a different charity each week.

The Women’s Refuge and the MS Society will also profit from fundraising efforts.

Gery Learmont, director of Specsavers Darlington said: “We didn’t want to limit our fundraising to just one charity.

“All of the charities do amazing work in the community and we thought this would be a fantastic way to show our support.”

All customers who attend an eye examination in August will be entered into a special prize draw with vouchers and designer specs up for grabs.