A CHARD watering hole is calling on local businesses to help raise £8,000 for a boy with a degenerative disease.

The Phoenix Hotel, in Fore Street, is putting on a beach party for ten-year-old Josh Nofal, brother of employee Zara Nofal, to raise money for his new wheelchair.

Josh has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and needs the new wheelchair to cater for all his needs and help support his spine.

The Phoenix is hoping to rouse other businesses and charities into action and get them to hold a stall at the party and donate half their profits to the cause.

Josh's sister, Zara, told The News: "His wheelchair is really chunky and he can't get around so much now.

"A new electric wheelchair will mean he can get around more easily."

The party will be held during the August Bank Holiday, possibly on Friday, August 25, in the car park of The Phoenix and landlord Jenny and Andy Kenton said it will be like a fete with games and a barbecue, with everyone dressing up.

Zara is also hoping to raise money by taking part in a sponsored skydive later this month.

Mum Sandra wanted to thank everyone for their fundraising efforts and all their support.

n If you want to help Josh and raise money for his new wheel-chair, contact Jenny or Andy Kenton on 01460-66444.