A CHARITY concert held in a farm shed for more than 20 years has attracted a Mercury Music Prize-nominated musician to the bill.

The Cornshed is an annual event organised by Judy Kitching, at Sexhow Park Farm, in Hutton Rudby, North Yorkshire, in memory of her husband Jim, who died in an accident while working on the farm in 1985.

Now in its 23rd year, the concert has grown from a few bands performing on a stage borrowed from the local school, to a two-night, two stage event, which this year takes place on Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4.

Most of the performers are local bands, but this year the star attractions are folk musicians Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson, who was the runner-up to Pulp for the Mercury Music Prize in 1995.

They will perform on Saturday night on the Romney stage, which is set in a small Nissen hut from the Second World War.

Last year’s event raised £10,000 for the North Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service.

Mrs Kitching, 60, said: “It’s an incredible two nights of music and entertainment for such a worthy cause and so many people get involved to make it happen.

“I don’t know if having the air ambulance might have saved Jim all those years ago but lots of our friends live in rural locations so it is something close to their hearts.”

Tickets cost £19.50 and must be bought in advance by calling 01642-700695. For details, visit thecornshed.org.uk