KIND-hearted guests raised more than £11,000 to help equip a teenage Kendal boy with a new carbon-fibre wheelchair.

Guests at the black-tie charity auction night for 16-year-old Joshua Hunter, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and curvature of the spine, included MP Tim Farron.

The Kendal College student, who loves football and politics, is completely reliant on his wheelchair as he cannot use his arms or legs.

However, the NHS metal-framed chair is heavy, cumbersome and virtually impossible for mum Sarah to push on her own.

Well-wishers were hoping to raise £10,000, but the event at the Burnside Hotel, Bowness, exceeded that by reaching a total of £11,120.

"The event was great fun and for a fantastic cause," said Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Mr Farron. "Joshua is an incredibly bright young man, who is also lovely company. It’s really important we help him achieve the best by getting him the right equipment to meet his potential."

Family friend Simon Folks said if £12,000 could be raised the new motorised wheelchair could be fully kitted out and a service plan set up for maintenance.

Liverpool FC fan Joshua faces surgery this year at Liverpool's Alder Hey Hospital to insert rods into his back to help his posture. Mr Folks said the new chair would assist this greatly, giving the teen greater comfort and independence.

He thanked everyone involved in the fundraiser, including guests, local band Thieving Magpies and businesses who gave auction prizes.