A POPULAR local rock band is staging a fund-raising gig as a thank-you to the hospice that cared for the singer’s mother.

Durham four-piece Tubesnake, who have built a big following over 17 years with their repertoire of covers of songs by legends such as The Doors, David Bowie, Cream and The Rolling Stones, will be performing on Sunday (may3) at their local pub, The Lambton Hounds in Pity Me, Durham.

The gig will be in memory of Freda McGurk, 65, the mother of vocalist Leonard Mustarde (correct), who died of cancer in the city’s St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

Mr Mustarde’s brother, Michael, who is organising the event, said the hospice had looked after their mother really well.

"They do a great job and we thought we’d do something as a thank-you. We have raised about £200 at the moment, the guys will be donating their fee, and we’ll be collecting in the bar.

"It will help us to give something back to them for the care they gave our mother.’’ The gig starts at 5pm and tickets, which cost £2, will be available on the door.