MORE than £1,000 has been raised for a soldiers’ charity thanks to the generosity of local residents and visitors at a special concert to help celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Around 2,000 people enjoyed the Proms in the Park event at Darlington’s South Park bandstand on Sunday, June 25.

The event featured music from The Royal Signals (Northern) Band, 102 Battalion Reme Pipes & Drums, Central & East Yorks Wing ATC Sector 1 Band with guest vocalist John Haigh.

A collection during the concert raised a total of £1,045.97 for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which was presented to Lt Colonel Barney Barnbrook, regional director North East of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, by Modus Seabed Intervention’s managing director Jake Tompkins.

Lt Colonel Barnbrook said: “We were so proud to be involved once again with Proms in the Park this year. It was a fantastic performance on all levels and we are truly grateful to Darlington Borough Council, Modus Seabed Intervention, Durham Army Cadet Force and all of the fabulously talented performers for making the event so enjoyable and successful."

Mr Tompkins said: "The brilliant performances ensured it was a great success and it is also superb news that more than £1,000 was raised for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity on the day.”

And Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure, added: “The parade and Proms in the Park have become an annual tradition and it’s great to see so many people coming together to enjoy themselves and help recognise the efforts of our servicemen and women, both past and present.”