A NEWPORT pub raised almost £2,000 for sick tot Amber Hartland with a weekend of events.

One-year-old Amber, of Ellwood Path, Cwmbran, suffers from the rare genetic disorder Tay Sachs, which could kill her before she reaches her fifth birthday.

Her parents Lesley and Nick are raising between £250,000 and £500,000 to take her to America to discover whether Amber has the infantile or juvenile version of the disease and go on an experimental new drug - a difference which could mean ten extra years of life.

The Six Bells pub on Stow Hill, Newport, held a weekend of events to help collect funds for the trip.

Manager Lyn Babbage said: "We had a charity karaoke night, an auction, live music and a quiz over the weekend, and we sold hot dogs, burgers, and daffodils - with all the cash going to Amber.

"There's also an ongoing raffle that will be drawn next Sunday after the rugby. Altogether we're up to about £1,750, and we're hoping to get to £2,000 by next weekend."

He thanked businesses and regulars who helped, and his partner Carol Long, who saw Amber in the Argus first, and put in a lot of work.

A bumper crowd is also expected to turn up to a charity rugby match in aid of Amber tomorrow. The game between a Cwmbran select XV and Newport takes place at the Kings Head ground Station Road, Cwmbran, and starts at 7.30pm.

Malcolm Gough, of The Alders, Cwmbran, father of Newport and Wales second row Ian Gough, set up the match after reading about Amber in the Argus.

Mr Hartland said: "It's fabulous what they are doing. We will take Amber along. She likes people and as it's organised for her it will be nice for people to see her."

Pat Cunningham, secretary of Cwmbran RFC, said: "I hope to see a big crowd."

Newport rugby club manager Jim McCready said: "We have assured the organisers we will bring a Newport XV from the current Newport squad.

"If players are not involved they will be supporting the match signing autographs and having pictures taken."