AN amateur singer has raised £1,400 for a Darlington hospice with her first compact disc.

Tess McAreavey, from Darlington, collected the money after her husband, Kevin, bought her time in a recording studio as a birthday gift.

During the session she recorded a five-track compact disc called The Long Weekend and had 300 copies made.

Mrs McAreavey gave away the CDs to her friends and family in return for a donation to St Teresa's Hospice.

She held a charity concert with her backing group, The Elastic Band, and her daughter, Alison, who performs on cruise ships.

Mrs McAreavey said: "It was a dream come true to record the CD, and I am delighted that it has proved so popular and raised a lot of money for the hospice.

"I would like to thank everyone who came along to the concert and MDS Computers, who produced the CD free of charge."

Jane Bradshaw, director of the hospice, thanked Mrs McAreavey for her donation.

She said: "This was a fantastic idea and we are very pleased to accept such a valuable donation.

"Every penny helps St Teresa's Hospice continue to provide great care and support to those suffering from life-limiting illnesses in and around Darlington."