A MUSICAL fundraiser has again proved there is plenty of talent in Darlington.

The Thank You For The Music event has raised thousands of pounds for a variety of different charities.

Vocal coach Viveca Bradshaw, the woman at the heart of an annual fundraiser, is delighted that they are able to continue raising essential funds for charity after enduring a difficult year.

"I have taught more than 700 children and adults over the past 15 years and this event has always been a huge success," she said. "This was our 9th Thank You For The Music event and we raised around £2,200 after all expenses.

"The two charities involved this year were Crohns and Colitis disease and the ESPA (Educational Services for People with Autism).

"More than 200 people attended and we held two raffles at each session and a silent auction. Next year will be our 10th anniversary and we hope to make it bigger and better.

"We also got a wonderful video link from the Hippodrome Panto actors which we played on the afternoon for all the children wishing them good luck.

"It has been a difficult event this year for me as my sister was called three weeks ago for a kidney transplant and I really didn't think I would have the energy to do it. But I managed to get it all together as I did not want to let my students down as they look forward to this event every year.

"We have now raised in total nine years £44,200 for various charities across the UK."

Previous events have raised funds for charities such as Age UK, the Children's Liver Foundation, St Teresa's Hospice, and anti-bullying charity The Red Balloon.