FUND-RAISERS hit the high note with an Italian music evening that made £1,300 for charity.

The event at Don Dino's Restaurant and Hotel, Whalley Road, Clitheroe, was in aid of the Kenneth MacMillan Memorial Fund and featured candlelit arias and violin music from top young musicians and opera singers from the Royal Northern College of Music.

There were special appearances by Clitheroe violinist Gaynor Sutcliffe and jazz pianist Eric Ainsworth.

A gourmet Italian buffet was served courtesy of Don Dino proprietor Dino Graziani.

Guests included Ribble Valley Mayor Chris Holtom, Clitheroe Mayor and Mayoress Alan and Susan Yearin, and family and friends of the late Kenneth MacMillan.

Mr MacMillan, a singer who had made several recordings, died aged 37 from a rare form of stomach cancer, leaving a wife, four-year-old son and eight-week-old daughter.

Theresa Robson, Louise Fearnley-Brown and Jayne Parrington launched the fund to raise cash for the East Lancs Hospice Appeal and the Clitheroe Grand Cinema and Arts Centre Project.

Theresa and Louise were classmates of Ken's at Ribblesdale High School, Clitheroe. Jayne is a member of the Ribble Valley East Lancs Hospice Appeal Committee.

The trio hope to dedicate the recording studio at the Grand in his memory after the venue is refurbished next year. The fund will also be split with the East Lancs Hospice Appeal.

More than £2,000 has so far been raised for the Kenneth MacMillan Memorial Fund. Future events include a variety concert at the Grand and a celebrity dance night at the Sutcliffe Theatre School, Clitheroe. Anyone who would like to support the fund can contact Theresa during the day on 01772 421442 or Jayne on 01200 427958.