NORTH-EAST former model Heather Mills has sent her support to a concert organised by two brothers to raise cash for children at a hospital.

Graeme and Mike Ross, from Durham City, decided to raise money to have a children's gym installed at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital's limb unit after their mother had a leg amputated when a blood clot caused thrombosis.

During Amelia Ross's time at the unit, the family realised youngsters were taking longer to recover from operations because of the lack of the gym.

Since then, Graeme has been organising the outdoor show at the Mill House, near Washington, Wearside, and has been in touch with representatives of Miss Mills, the fiancee of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney.

Having lost a leg following an accident herself, she was happy to show her support.

The brothers' band, Taller Than, which is among the region's top unsigned acts, will be joined by a host of other North-East acts for the event.

Also on the bill are Mother Sugar, from Durham, Simon Stephenson, guitarist from Washington band Carma, Jonathan Boyle, of Washington, Tyneside outfit The Caffrey Brothers, 101, from Durham, and headliners Flatliner, from Northumberland, for the show on Saturday, May 4.

"There are going to be a few guest performers, as well," said Graeme.

His efforts have also been helped by Carl and Deanne McDonald, who run the venue, and are giving part of the bar takings to supplement the entry fees, and Northern Recording, of Consett, which is providing the public address system.

Tickets costing £5 are available from the Mill House, as well as from Star Clinic, the beauty therapy centre run by Mrs Ross.

The event will start at 3pm, with the first band on stage at 4pm.