MORE than a hundred local musicians will take part in the world's largest synchronised singing event to help raise money in memory of one of North Yorkshire's leading political figures.

The Joan Maynard Appeal hopes to reach its £100,000 target to fund the provision of palliative care units in two Hambleton community hospitals with proceeds from the charity concert in October.

The Voices For Hospices event will be staged at 500 venues in 50 countries, with local enthusiasts invited to a musical spectacular at the Hambleton Forum on Saturday, October 4.

Eleanor Hooper, appeal fundraiser, was a close friend of former MP Miss Maynard, who lived in the same village, Sowerby, near Thirsk, and who died in 1998, aged 76, after a battle with cancer.

She said: "The appeal is already well over the £60,000 mark and we hope the concert will be the springboard to attract much of the balance of the money."

Once the appeal hits the £100,000 mark, palliative care units will be set up in both the Lambert Hospital in Thirsk and the Rutson Hospital, in Northallerton. They will provide comfortable, en-suite accommodation and care for people with terminal illness.

Mrs Hooper said: "The Hambleton District covers over 700sq miles from York to Teesside, Coxwold to Crakehall, and has a population of more than 80,000.

"Yet the area has neither a hospice nor a single palliative care bed - this is the stark fact that stimulated the Joan Maynard Appeal."

North Yorkshire-born Miss Maynard was for many years the MP for Sheffield Brightside and always held the needs of rural communities close to her heart.

After retiring from the Commons, she moved back to Sowerby where she remained active for many years as a county councillor, magistrate, local councillor and tireless worker on many committees.

Organisers hope the concert will encourage local businesses, societies and individuals to give generously to the appeal. Any donations made during the coming weeks will be acknowledged at the event.

Cheques, made payable to The Joan Maynard Appeal, can be sent to treasurer Jean West, at 3 Cocked Hat Park, Sowerby, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3HB.

Concert details will soon be announced.