Bill Garbutt lost his long battle with lung cancer in April this year aged 76.

And to say thank you to those who cared for Bill during the difficult times, his kind-hearted grandson Zarron Barnes took part in a charity dog walk alongside beloved family pet, Charlie.

And the 11-year old's efforts resulted in him raising £240 for Hartlepool and District Hospice.

Zarron, who lives in John Howe Gardens with his mum, Paula, and dad, Alan, has just left St John Vianney Primary School and is starting at English Martyrs in September.

"Before my dad was ill he would go and pick Zarron up from school. He had a fantastic relationship with the kids." said Paula.

"He used to work on an oil rig and he would tell the kids all his stories.

"My dad was ill for a long time but he fought it and fought it. He was extremely brave, he wouldn't let it get him down."

Zarron, alongside pet dog Charlie, a cross between a Staffordshire bull terrier and English bull Terrier took part in the sponsored walk at Summerhill on May 23 this year.

Paula added: "Zarron was brilliant raising the money.

"The hospice were excellent with my dad, but also with the rest of the family, the work they do is fantastic and Zarron wanted to help them in any way he could.

"Me and his dad are so proud of him."

Tracy Woodall, chief executive at Hartlepool Hospice, said: "Zarron is an exemplary young man full of enthusiasm and commitment to the hospice.

"This is partly due to the fact that his granddad was a patient with us for many years but also because Zarron understands that every person no matter how young or old can make a difference to the lives of their family, friends and neighbours by raising funds."