THE family of Christopher Rochester say they are overwhelmed by people's support after a street collection netted more than £1,000 for their fight for justice.

The 24-year-old from Chester-le-Street died in a hospital on Rhodes after a balcony fall in 2000. Three medics were convicted of manslaughter but won an appeal against their convictions two years ago.

Christopher's parents Pam and George Cummings need to raise £11,000 for their legal costs for an appeal hearing in Greece that could see the doctors re-convicted.

The family and their supporters held a collection in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, last Saturday, that raised £1,005.64.

"It was just phenomenal. We surpassed what we thought we could achieve." said Mr Cummings. "We are determined to see this to the end but without the people of Chester-le-Street donating this kind of money we couldn't do it."

Donations can be made to the fund at branches of Lloyds TSB.