FUNDRAISING friends Val Jones and Chris Hall have raised more than £6,000 for Mary Stevens Hospice after holding a couple of 'Band and Balti Nights' at Oldswinford Hospital School.

A sell out crowd of 250 turned out to support the latest event which included music by Dudley band A few Good Men and food provided by the Red Forte Restaurant in Wollaston.

There was also a raffle and auction with prizes donated by borough businesses, including a weekend away courtesy of Group Travel.

And a game of Irish Bingo raised another £350 for Acorns Children's Hospice, where Chris Hall works.

Val, a teacher at Hagley Roman Catholic School, said: "I used to work at Oldswinford Hospital School which is a wonderful venue for an event like this and the school has always been very supportive.

"Originally we had no plans to hold another Band and Balti Night but the event proved so successful we will definitely stage another one next year."