PUPILS from rival schools have joined forces to raise money for a good cause.

A cast of 40 young people from Teesdale Comprehensive and Barnard Castle School took to the stage for a three-hour charity concert.

The concert, billed The Power of Sound - Beyond Cancer, was held at Barnard Castle School and raised more than £2,500 for Cancer Research UK.

The event was organised by 16-year-old Sophia Wilmot-Josife, and featured solos, duets, bands, dance routines and theatre.

Sophia recently lost her father to cancer and closed the show with a song written in his memory, Sun Shine on You.

Lindsay Day, of Cancer Research UK, thanked the organisers and the audience for the evening.

She said: "The money will be dedicated towards work in Newcastle. A year ago, we opened a new building where 120 research scientists and doctors are developing new drugs and carrying out clinical trials.

"They know this work would not be possible without the support of people like you."

Barnard Castle School headmaster David Ewart said: "The initiative and talent of our young people never fails to amaze me.

"I think, sometimes, as we concentrate on the academic side of schooling, it is possible to overlook the value of such creativity in young people.

"But as this performance has demonstrated, it is never far below the surface and the girls and boys are to be commended highly for their efforts."