DERRY Hill fundraiser Rachel Shah, who was targeted by spiteful e-mails on the village website, has thanked the local community for supporting her charity concert on Saturday.

After Mrs Shah's efforts to organise a fundraising concert to raise money for the South African Crisis Appeal were publicised, she was criticised and personally attacked in a series of anonymous e-mails signed 'locals'.

But villagers in Derry Hill and Studley say they are amazed that anyone had the audacity to write the malicious comments on behalf of the community.

Mrs Shah, 35, was upset by the personal nature of the e-mails and contemplated cancelling the event, but her husband Nick persuaded her not to give up. The local community, friends and family rallied round and together they made the concert, held in the Lansdowne Hall, Derry Hill, a success.

She said: "I was concerned that no-one would turn up, especially after the e-mails, but I was absolutely delighted when the guests started to arrive.

"We had a variety of people of all different ages and a large contingent from the village. It was well supported and the entertainment we put on was very well received. I couldn't have done it without everybody's support and encouragement and in the end everything came together fantastically. It wasn't easy but it will certainly not put me off organising charity events in the future."

Nearly 100 guests packed into the concert at 7pm, which raised £1,241.56 for countries in southern Africa threatened by famine.

Highlights of the evening included Gareth Williams' appearance on stage with a top hat and cane, as he crooned hits from the Fifties. Tim Wolleter was Elvis for the night, complete with jewel encrusted white jumpsuit and Pippa Scholes, who headlined the evening, gave a stunning performance of It's Raining Men.

The 15-lot auction raised £759 on its own with members of the audience competing for a self-catering holiday in the south of France, and a signed Peter Gabriel CD. There was also a framed print of a Hercules from RAF Lyneham and a signed book about racing from Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, who lives near Corsham.

There were displays and information from other charities at the event including the National Blood Service and the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Society.