An Isle of Wight brass band extravaganza has raised more than £1,000 for the people in war-torn Ukraine.

Abbey Brass, Cowes Concert Band and Vectis Brass joined forces for the special 'Brass for Ukraine' event at Christ the King College, Newport, with organiser Andy Norman, MD of Cowes Concert Band saying that he was overwhelmed by the support.

Wonderful experience

"Brass for Ukraine was a wonderful experience. Thank you to everyone who came to support the concert."

He added: "We have to thank Kathrin Williams, business manager at Christ the King College for allowing us to use the facilities free of charge and site manager Chris Teague, together with the rest of the Teague family, for working so hard to put everything together."

A retiring collection and a raffle raised over £1,150 for IW MAD-AID, the charity sending aid to hospitals in Ukraine and Moldova to help refugees.

We thank Victoria Dunford and MAD-AID for all they are doing to help Ukrainian refugees and are pleased to have contributed in a small wayorganiser, Andy Norman

National Anthem

Each band performed a 30-minute programme, before combining to perform the Ukrainian national anthem as a finale conducted by special guest Victoria Dunford, founder of IW MAD-AID.

The audience were also treated to a display by the corps of drums of Medina Marching Band and a debut performance by the Vectis Brass Training Band which featured learners as young as 7.

Mr Norman added: "We thank Victoria Dunford and MAD-AID for all they are doing to help Ukrainian refugees and are pleased to have contributed in a small way."