WOOLBROOK pub staff raised �1,600 for a cancer charity in memory of two friends who tragically died of the illness.

WOOLBROOK pub staff raised �1,600 for a cancer charity in memory of two friends who tragically died of the illness.

A music night a the Balfour Arms helped raise the bumper �1,661 sum for Cancer Resarch, in honour of Sidmouth residents Brian Mclconnell and John Weatherley who both sadly died this year.

Bands Brent Nelson, The Freak Bruvvers, The Dogs and Southern Scene all performed free at the event and traders, pubs, restaurants and residents donated 38 prizes for a raffle.

Dave Maddock and Jason Stiling (both pictured) helped get together prizes, co-ordinated the bands and arranged a barbecue.

More cash was raised through selling 'Brian badges', a summer swear box, and raffling off a signed football shirt donated by Exeter City FC, and another shirt signed by England international Michael Owen, donated by Sidmouth Town FC.

Staff handed over the cash on Tuesday.

Dawn Harrison, Cancer Research area volunteer manager, said: "It's an incredible amount of money, especially in such a small town like Sidmouth, and amazing for one event. We can't thank our supporters, and everyone who supported them, enough for this money."

Balfour Arms landlady Sally Jackson said: "Our target was �1,500 so we are very pleased, we'll have to up that target for next year.