A CHARITY golf event and auction in aid of a disabled Newport toddler raised more than £12,000 in a single day.

The mother of Leo Dixon, who needs a £60,000 operation in the US to help him walk unaided, said she is "over the moon" with the amount raised by the organisers of the RMS annual charity golf day at Llanwern Golf Club.

Little Leo, who will turn three next month, was born six weeks early and cannot walk, crawl or sit comfortably, after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia.

He needs a £60,000 operation in the US to help him walk unaided and parents Kate, 28, and Mike Dixon, 37, have been fundraising since October last year.

To date they have raised £46,000 through various fundraising events and with Friday's contribution, they need just £2,000 more.

On Friday, August 9, the charity golf day featured sportsmen Iestyn Harris, Christian Malcolm and players from Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport County all playing in aid of Leo's fund.

Each year, RMS owner and club captain Peter O'Toole adopts a different charity for the all-day tournament, which also featured an evening presentation, auction and dinner.

Mrs Dixon said she hopes to know a more accurate figure for the amount raised later this week and hope their last fundraising event will be a black tie dinner at the Celtic Manor on October 19.