Ball boosts Ben's Fund.

A CHARITY ball dedicated to a teenager who died when he choked on a pen top has raised thousands for his fund.

The family of 13-year-old Ben Stirland, from Consett, have been working to raise cash for Ben's Fund since his death early this year.

Ben died on January 11, nearly two days after the accident, which happened while he was doing his homework.

A black-tie ball held earlier this month was the latest event held in support of the paedi-atric intensive care unit at Newcastle General Hospital, where Ben was cared for.

More than 80 people from Derwentside attended the ball at the Derwent Manor Hotel raising about pounds 3,500 for specialist equipment for the hospital.

Ben's step-dad Dave Hodgson said: "The ball went really well with everyone saying they enjoyed themselves.

"It was a great night."

Along with a three-course meal the evening featured a table magician and auction with lots including signed Gordon Ramsay books.

Earlier this month the family won the first step in their campaign to see pen tops redesigned and possibly done away with.

Following meetings with the British Standards Institute (BSI) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the BSI has proposed that all pen tops are redesigned to improved safety standards.

Proposed changes would include making the size of pen top lids bigger, improving air flow through making the hole larger and redesigning the clip.

As well as changes to the design, the proposals look at procedures for testing lid safety and methods of production.

CAPTION(S):

CHOKED: Ben Stirland, 13