Ref. 27070-1A GLITTERING benefit concert featuring 101 of west Wiltshire's young and gifted musicians has been helping raise awareness of breast cancer in the district.

The event, at Civic Hall, Trowbridge, on Friday, was designed to give talented youngsters a rare opportunity to perform away from school and at the same time help a good cause.

Event organiser Joel Almeida said great performances from everyone taking part resulted in an excellent show for the paying audience.

He said: "Many of the participants gave top class professional standard performances. There was a terrific atmosphere of pulling together and everyone had a sense of it being for a very important cause."

Acts performing at the benefit included solo performances by Dominic Irving on piano, Danielle Jalowiecki on recorder, and flautist Tess Barker.

Singing duo Aflame+ joined groups from many of west Wiltshire's educational institutions. The evening was compered by Kelly Stooke, of BBC Radio Wiltshire.

Dr Almeida said a moving but poignant highlight came when Vanessa Kyte, who has been fighting breast cancer for three years, spoke about her experience.

The 38-year-old, from Rudge, has raised more than £4,000 for the cancer wing at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, where she undergoes treatment every week.