A GREAT-grandad took part in an orchestral marathon and helped raise £1,000 for a new music centre in Trowbridge.

Freshford fiddle veteran Len Macey, 78, took part in the four-hour event to boost the Wiltshire Rural Music Society's efforts to raise the £600,000 needed to build a new headquarters in the county town.

About 30 people took part in the four-hour session at John of Gaunt School, in Trowbridge on Saturday, sightreading a wide array of classical and contemporary music.

The session was conducted by James Monckton, from West Wiltshire Young Musicians, and Philip Springate, head of music at John of Gaunt School.

Mr Macey said: "It is vital that we transform the Wiltshire Rural Music Society into a real community school, providing music-making in the area for many years to come."