THE power of music is being used to raise funds to battle a debilitating disease.

Highworth Silver Band member Carol Luxton has been fighting ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for more than two years.

The condition has robbed Carol of the ability to enjoy one of her great passions music.

Carol and her husband Stuart have been members of the band for more than a decade. While Stuart remains a regular, as principal cornet, Carol can no longer play the tenor horn for any length of time.

"I just don't have the puff to do it anymore," she said.

However, Carol made a special appearance at the band's concert to raise funds and awareness of ME and performed a 10-minute slot at the start.

"More needs to be done to make people aware of ME and the money raised from this concert will go the Action For ME charity," she said. "It is important that those looking into research for possible cures are given as much help as possible."

Friends and family flocked to the Highworth Silver Band Hall where they enjoyed a varied programme of music.

"Whatever cash comes in will be a real bonus," she said.

She is a member of an ME support group which meets regularly in Swindon.