MUSICAL fathers who achieved a rock dream earlier this year plan to stage another charity gig next year.

Haley's Comets, six thirty-something fathers from Ponteland, hired Newcastle City Hall to play a night of rock and pop covers in February. They sold 1,600 tickets and raised £10,000 for causes.

The event was such a success they plan to stage another Party in the Hall next year to raise money for the Children's Foundation's Yellow Brick Rock Appeal.

The night also featured hypnotist Kevin Starr and was compered by Brendan Healy.

The band, which started life as a dare, gave £5,000 from February's event to the Children's Foundation, the region's child healthcare charity.

Lead singer David Haley, 37, a marketing manager, said: "Even though every member of Haley's Comets had been in bands before, we began to be really nervous once we had booked the City Hall and actually began selling tickets.

"We were thrilled when the local Press and television got behind us with great promotional support, then ticket sales really took off in a big way.

"We also need to thank our families and friends, who suffered our constant absences during rehearsals, sold tickets and came along to support us on the night.

"I think everyone was pleasantly surprised at how professional it was."

Published: 13/04/2004