A GROUP of women who have carried on the music hall tradition and raised thousands of pounds for charity, may have taken their last curtain call.

When Spennymoor Ladies' Circle decided to branch out into variety performance to raise money for charities, they had little idea of their subsequent success.

Ten years later, the group, now named the Spennymoor Ladies' Tangent, estimates it has raised £10,000 for charity.

Group member Kathy Pearson said the driving force behind the shows has been Cath Carr, who directs and produces most of the performances.

"Last year we thought it would be the last one, because we're all ten years older than when we first started," she said.

"This year could really be our last one, although we will definitely continue doing something for charity. We have had a lot of fun."

The shows are a community effort, with group members, their children and friends all taking the stage.

This year's performance, the Spennymoor Ladies' Tangent Music Hall Show, raised £1,000 for a range of charities, including Leukaemia Research.

"At our first show we were very apprehensive. But Cath encouraged us, and as the years have gone by the shows have got better," said Kathy Pearson.

"But I think we all enjoy doing the shows for the friendship and camaraderie."