Hitting all the right notes to raise £1,200 for flood victims

The concert, featuring a host of Fylde performers, attracted a sellout crowd of 180 to Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Centre in St Albans Road and organiser Andy Severyn said: “What a brilliant night it was and thanks to everyone who supported it in any way.”

Andy, a musician and teacher based in St Annes, had been moved by the plight of residents of St Michael’s and other Lancashire towns and villages affected by the floods around Christmas – and he was delighted with the reaction of performers, who included the Lytham Youth Choir and a host of locally-based solo acts, after he suggested the idea of a benefit concert.

Meanwhile, many local businesses donated prizes for a raffle.

Andy said: “It was very much a family event, with something for everyone and we are all delighted to have been able to help others.

“When I was handed a piece of paper on stage saying £1,200 I was flabbergasted and when I read it out there was a huge round of applause at what we had collectively achieved.

“I’d thought maybe £700-£800 would have been a decent result so to achieve that total was wonderful.

“I thought it would be a good idea it give the money to something specific rather than have it diluted around the county and the school is ideal.

“Thanks especially for her support and help to my wife Bernie, who persuaded many local retailers to donate raffle prizes, and helped me hugely on the day.”

Flooding forced the St Michael’s school out of its premises before Christmas and classes have since been held at various venues, with work to repair the Hall Lane building forecast to last well into the spring.

From next week, it is hoped the 127 pupils can move into a temporary school in units at Myerscough College’s nearby Bilsborrow campus and headteacher Cathy Brough said: “We are so grateful for this donation, which will be used to fund essential resources for the children.

“It’s an absolutely fantastic gesture and another wonderful example of how so many people, many of whom we don’t know, have rallied round to help us. We have been overwhelmed by the support.”