Drinkers enjoying a Southfleet pub’s beer festival not only raised a glass or two but also vital cash to help a young cerebral palsy sufferer.

Customers at The Ship Inn organised the event to help teenager Ben Fuller who desperately needed a lightweight, carbon wheelchair.

The 17-year-old’s dad, Wayne, drinks at the bar in Red Street and his fellow pub-goers were more than happy to help when they heard of Ben’s plight.

Landlady Karen Tivers organised the event, which included Kentish ales and ciders and music from four bands.

Another customer Paul Hockley went the extra mile by swapping his usual pint for a pair of running shoes.

While his friends were supping at the festival he was pounding the streets in the Edinburgh Marathon on behalf of Ben.

Together the two events raised a staggering £10,000.

Wayne, who lives with Ben at their home in Ferndene, New Barn, was overwhelmed by the response.

“Ben is learning to drive at the moment and is due to leave Longfield Academy in July so needed a lightweight wheelchair to give him his independence,” explained the 49-year-old school bus driver.

“I mentioned at the pub I wanted to replace his heavy chair and a couple of people said they would do something.

“The next thing I knew Paul had been on a fitness regime and lost a lot of weight and then he decided to run the Edinburgh Marathon for Ben and the Stars Foundation for Cerebral Palsy charity.”

The original target was £5,000 to cover the cost to Stars Foundation of supplying Ben’s wheelchair. The remaining money will now be donated to the charity to provide equipment for other cerebral palsy sufferers.

“It’s a nice village pub and they always make you feel welcome but this is amazing,” added Wayne.

“Ben cannot lift his wheelchair because he has no strength in his left side. Even I have difficulty lifting his NHS one.

“The new wheelchair is about two-thirds lighter as well as being more flexible and moveable. The difference it will make to his life is massive.”