AN IRISH folk band from the region are joining a fundraising effort to buy specialist hospital equipment.

The Wild Cats are staging a gig to raise money for the Darlington Diabetics Retinal Camera Appeal.

The appeal aims to buy a £60,000 specialist camera to help staff at Darlington and Bishop Auckland hospitals detect eye problems in people with diabetes.

The Wild Cats are Darlington ambulance driver Bruce Rollo, Simon Wigington, from Middlesbrough, and music teachers from Stockton and Billingham college Mike McGrother and Andrew McIntyre.

The fundraising show will take place at Darlington Arts Centre on May 11 and will include a disco.

Tickets are priced £6, and are available by calling (01325) 486555