GENEROUS locals at a Hampshire pub stunned a former employee living with blood cancer when they raised thousands of pounds in his honour during a charity effort.

Stuart Bye, of Java Close, Whiteley, was chosen as the joint recipient of £4,000 raised on a night of fun and fundraising at the Elm Tree Inn in Swanwick.

The 22-year-old worked full-time at the pub in Swanwick Lane until he was diagnosed with Hodgki's Lymphoma two years ago.

This led to two stem cell transplants and courses of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Stuart is now waiting for the all-clear following his most recent operation in December but believes he is on the mend.

He plans to spend the money raised at his local on driving lessons and possibly a holiday - some of the things he has missed out on while undergoing treatment for his illness.

Stuart said: "They are always there to give me a helping hand, but I wasn't expecting this.

"It was really nice of them to do this. I've had it quite good compared to a lot of other people."

Landlord George Blakemoor added: "It's the first time I've ever tried to hold an event like this but we all felt we had to do something for Stuart.

"The amount raised was astounding, and far beyond what we were hoping for.

"There's definite scope for more fundraising in the future."

The night's activities included a raffle, meal and an auction.

Among the lots that went under the hammer were a signed Southampton shirt, a 28in widescreen television and a holiday.

The funds raised on the night were split with Cancer Research UK.