A CHURCH was filled with the sound of music as it launched a fund-raising drive for a new parish hall.

An eight-hour pianothon was held in St Mary Magadelne Church, Belmont, Durham City, on Saturday, featuring players ranging from beginners to concert performers.

More than 20 people took part in the sponsored event, including well-known local pianists Marion Senior and George Hetherington.

The vicar, the Rev Robert Innes, is an organist and played some modern French organ music. Through the day the music ranged from classical to songs from the shows.

The event was followed by a concert in the evening and also-coincided with the church's summer fair at the Belmont Grange Nursing Home.

The Rev Innes said the pianothon raised about £800, which will be shared between the hall appeal and St Cuthbert's Hospice. The fair raised about £1,000 and a collection at the concert raised £250.

The hall, which will be a base for church and community activities, will cost more than £500,000. So far, about £140,000 has been raised and now members of the congregation are being invited to contribute.

The church will submit a second application for Lottery funding next month.