Getting around is now a whole lot easier for 15-year-old James Pickering.

The Billingham teenager has a rare developmental disorder called Williams Syndrome and can walk only very short distances.

But thanks to a group of bingo-goers and national charity Whizz-Kidz, James is now riding high on a specially-adapted tricycle.

“I’m really pleased with it,” said James. “I’d like to say thank you.”

Staff at the Mecca Bingo in Stockton raised over £4,800 through fundraising activities such as bingo games, sponsored basketball, theme nights and the Great North Run.

James lives in Billingham with his mum Catherine, 44, dad Keith, 53, and brother John, 18. He attends Abbey Hill Special School in Billingham.

Catherine said: “This trike has given James more independence as well as being really practical and good for his endurance.

“He finds it loads of fun.”

The fundraising was all part of the national Mecca Wheel Difference campaign – with Mecca Bingo clubs across the UK raising over £280,000 in total for children’s mobility charity Whizz-Kidz in 2008.

Stuart Booth, general manager of the Mecca Bingo in Stockton, said: “Our Mecca team members pulled out all the stops to raise this money - and thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the process.

“It means so much for us to help a local young person in our area, like James, to enjoy their independence. Our club has helped provide the right trike for him - including special seating.

“A huge thanks to all of our generous and loyal club members. We would never have achieved this without them putting their hands in their pockets.

“We will be fundraising again this year to help more young people in the region, so please pop into the club and get involved.”

Mecca Bingo Stockton is now collecting old mobile phones to recycle to raise money for Whizz-Kidz. A collection point is located at the entrance.

© 2009 owned by or licensed to Gazette Media Company Limited.