TENS of thousands of pounds was raised for a North charity at a popular social event.

The annual Oyster Festival held at Hardwick Hall Hotel, at Sedgefield, raised more than £80,000 for the Bishop Auckland-based Angel Trust.

The donation will help the organisation offer a range of support and services to those in need in Darlington and County Durham and fund projects to improve the community.

Entertainment included a headline performance from M People's Heather Small and music from Irish bands Emerald Thieves and JJ Galway Band. Further entertainment came from Durham comedian Josh Daniels and Steve Walls was compere.

Hotel owner John Adamson said: “It is brilliant to be in a position to help out an organisation like The Angel Trust, which is doing really worthwhile work in the local community.

“Our guests were incredibly generous this year and I’m delighted to be able to hand over more than £80,000 to help the trust continue to offer life-changing support to those in need.

“The Oyster Festival is always a brilliant event and this year was no different, with an excellent line-up of entertainment.”

Great Annual Savings and Mill Volvo sponsored the day.