A PUB will host a sing-along with a difference tomorrow.

A five-hour karaoke has been organised at the Bridge Inn, Middlesbrough, by landlord Harry Waters to raise funds for the Butterwick Hospice in thanks for the way staff cared for his dying sister, Barbara Calfe.

Mrs Calfe's funeral takes place today, three days after what would have been her 49th birthday. She lived at Ingleby Barwick with husband Ian and daughter Emma.

Mr Waters said: "I've never been into doing charity work before, but the care and love that my sister and our family received was absolutely fantastic and I want to do something positive to help Butterwick.

"Until my sister was ill I had never set foot in Butterwick, but the very first time I went in it just touched me.

"Without sounding corny, the people who work there are truly wonderful.''

Mrs Calfe was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year and complications set in after Christmas.

The karaoke starts at 2pm, includes a buffet, and ends at 7pm. A celebrity is expected to launch the event, and raffle prizes include items signed by Middlesbrough footballers.

Graham Leggatt-Chidgey, chief executive of Butterwick Hospice Care, said: "It was a privilege for us to care for Barbara Calfe in the end stage of her illness, and it is very generous of Harry to support our work in this manner so soon after his sister's death."