A PUNK rock night featuring live music from eight bands raised more than £3,000 for a cancer charity, organisers have revealed.

The event, at Sass, in Duke Street, Darlington, was arranged by 52-year-old Brian Alderson, who was recently given the all-clear from bowel and lymph cancer.

Mr Alderson was diagnosed with the disease in 2012 and received chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy as part of his treatment.

He decided to organise the fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support, which helped him during his illness.

Bands from all over the country performed at the event earlier this month, giving their services for fuel costs only.

Mr Alderson had not met some of the bands personally but had built up friendships with them via social media.

A female tattooist was available for tattoos in Macmillan's trademark green – the minimum charge was £15 with £10 from each tattoo going to the charity.

An auction and raffle with tickets sold by a representative from MacMillan were also held.

The final total raised was £3,017.29.

A charity spokeswoman said: “Within County Durham we have about 10,000 people who are living with and beyond cancer.

"The funds raised will go a long way to making sure no one in County Durham faces cancer alone.

"We rely solely on public funding, we do not receive any grants or Government funding."