A CHURCH was packed at the weekend for a charity concert in aid of the tsunami disaster appeal.

The performance, by Leyburn Band and East Witton Male Voice Choir, at St Matthew's Church, Leyburn, on Saturday raised more than £1,500.

The money will help fishermen replace a boat destroyed by the tsunami.

"It was great to play for such a large and appreciative audience and people once more demonstrated their tremendous generosity in a magnificent response to the appeal," said Leyburn Band conductor George Lundberg.

Shoppers donated £532 to the appeal on Saturday, after listening to music from a fairground organ, played by North Yorkshire County councillor John Coulson.

The money will be donated to the Friends of Mettupalayam Trust, a North Yorkshire project which has been supporting an Indian village for ten years.

The trust is trying to raise £100,000 to rebuild a village near Mettupalayam.