A FORMER postman with a passion for prose has raised almost £2,000 for a North-East hospital by selling a book of his poems.

Vince Elsbury wrote a book of verse affectionately recalling his years growing up in Chilton, County Durham, in the 1950s.

The book, entitled A Poet Among the Pitmen, helped the 70-year-old to raise £1,900 for the intensive therapy unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital, where his wife, Ann, died in 2011.

Mr Elsbury, who now lives in Darlington, also donated money he received on his 70th birthday to the cause.

“I just wanted to give something back. I couldn’t have wished for better people or better care. I am over the moon with the amount raised," he said.

“The book is about growing up in Chilton, with all the characters and a happy childhood.”

Mr Elsbury thanked those who had bought the book, as well as his sponsors who helped create the book.

He presented the hospital with a cheque for £1,900 earlier this year.