MORE than £200 has been raised for the families of a community who were forced to move following a fire.

Northern Heartlands and theatre company November Club joined with the Randolph Community Centre in Evenwood to donate the proceeds of a recent event to villagers affected by a haulage firm fire earlier this year.

Beyond the End of the Road, a new musical about rural life, toured last month to six communities in Teesdale and Weardale; in every location the host venue or community split any profits from the evening with the organisers.

However, in Evenwood it was agreed that the show would be a fundraiser for people who have been forced to move out of their homes.

Evenwood Councillor Heather Smith was involved with the show alongside a number of other community participants who formed a flash mob choir which formed a significant part of the play. Following a suggestion from the organisers that the money could be used to help those affected by the fire, Cllr Smith was able to contact Judith Buckle, Manager of Lyons Court Care Home in Evenwood, who is holding all funds raised for the families.

Northern Heartlands’ Director Jill Cole said: “Touring November Club’s show Beyond The End of the Road was a very successful way of bringing communities together across the Northern Heartlands area.

“The show played to packed audiences in Binchester, Stanhope, Crook, Mickleton and The Witham in Barnard Castle.

“The evening in Evenwood was particularly memorable and we’re delighted that November Club and the Randolph Centre have agreed that the money should be used to support members of that community who are most in need”.

The much-needed cash was handed to Judith Buckle at the Randolph Centre last week.