Raeford, N.C. — Motorists in Hoke County got a discounted price on gasoline on Friday, courtesy of the Hoke County sheriff.

Sheriff Hubert A. Peterkin offered $1 off every gallon of gas for up to 10 gallons for the first 400 vehicles at the Shell gas station on Fayetteville Road in Raeford. Gas was about $1.65 for a gallon of regular unleaded.

Peterkin said he decided to use $4,000 from his re-election campaign fund to supplement gas purchases because he says he has seen people struggling and wanted to bring some relief to his citizens.

"I saw people struggling here in the community, a lot of my senior citizens who didn't have money to get gas," Peterkin said. "I just wanted to help them."

He said he has planned the event for some time but decided to hold it now while gas prices were lower so people could get more for their money.

Motorists, like Jackie Lide, lined up for about a mile waiting for a chance to get cheap gas.

"It's a real blessing," she said. "My hat's off to our sheriff, that's such a caring person.

Peterkin, who is not up for re-election for another two years, said he is thinking about putting together another gasoline event. He says several gas stations have already contacted him about sponsoring their own "gas giveaway."