LOCAL singers who joined professionals on stage at Lancaster's Ashton Hall have helped raise more than £6,000 for CancerCare.

Almost 700 people turned out to support A Night 2 Remember', a musical celebration organised by local woman Jill Parkinson.

It featured opera singer Sylvia Mitton a childhood friend of Sylvia's backed by locals including Lancaster & District Choral Society and Morecambe Youth Band.

With the help of sponsors CLB Coopers, chartered accountants and business advisors, it raised £6,134 for CancerCare, the local cancer support unit with centres in Lancaster and Kendal.

Chris Ashby of CancerCare says, "It was a remarkable evening and we were overwhelmed by the amount raised and the commitment of everyone involved in making the event happen."

Organiser Jill, herself a cancer patient, says: "If only you knew what this meant to Sylvia and I. We dreamed of holding an event, filling the Ashton Hall and raising money for CancerCare and we have done it!

"It was about being able to give a little something back following the group's unwavering support for me and my family over the past five years. We would like to extend a heart-felt thank you' to the performers, everyone who supported the event, gave donations or helped in any way."

But that is not the end of the story Jill and Sylvia are now looking forward to the next concert and say anyone who is interested in being part of the event should call Jill on 01524-425295.