MORE than �400 was raised at the Root gig on Saturday held in memory of the founder of Beer s R&B Festival. Eight acts performed on the night held in the Mariners Hall including The Jellicle Cats, a three-piece blues band with a remarkably young rhythm

MORE than �400 was raised at the 'Root' gig on Saturday held in memory of the founder of Beer's R&B Festival.

Eight acts performed on the night held in the Mariners Hall including The Jellicle Cats, a three-piece blues band with a remarkably young rhythm section and newly-formed band The Walk Hards.

The gig had been organised by Bert Stone and several others who are raising money in tribute to Jim Riley, who died last year.

Bert said: "It went absolutely brilliantly. There was a huge turn out and it was really well supported. Everyone was very generous."

A bench in tribute to Jim was erected last week in Jubiliee Gardens and Bert; Jim's wife, Sheila; Councillor Mike Green and Councillor John Brewer met at the site hours before the gig.

Bert added: "In a special performance during the gig Mike Green did a very emotional rendition of a Bob Dylan song 'I shall be released' which caught the mood of the day.

"I would like to thank Mike for all of the support he has given the R&B Festival as well as teaching a lot of young people in the village to play the guitar."

The Memorial Bench Fund will continue to stay open and organisers of the 'Root' fundraising cause are now deciding who to donate the money to.

"Jim set up a study group for teaching children from six to 13-years-old, called The Jim Jam," said Bert.

"When Jim died Sheila decided to carry it on and we really want to support her as much as we can."

For more information on how to donate visit http://www.steppinout.info.