NEIL Diamond provided vital support to local charity Breathe North at his concert last night.

The charity, which is the northern region of the British Lung Foundation, hoped the thousands of Diamond fans would donate cash during the performance at Newcastle's Telewest Arena.

Breathe North believes most people at the concert will come across lung diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer, which, on average, affect at least one member of every family in Britain.

Regional manager, Beverley Wears said: "We are extremely grateful to Neil Diamond, his management and Newcastle Telewest Arena for allowing the collection".

The singer/songwriter joins music icons like The Corrs, Westlife and Atomic Kitten who pledged their support to Breathe North at recent concerts.

For more details on the charity call Ms Wears, on 0191-263 0276.