HUNDREDS of young people exercised their vocal chords in a ten-hour music marathon to boost a hospice's funds.

More than 500 singers and musicians from across Teesside took part in Voices for Hospices, at Billingham's Forum Theatre, yesterday, with proceeds going to the Hartlepool and District Hospice.

Event performance director Alyson Robinson said: "This was a chance for children and young people to showcase their amazing talents as part of a very important event, while also helping local people with terminal illnesses."

The concert featured choirs, dance schools and classical performers.

Hartlepool and District Hospice costs £2m a year to run and receives 30 per cent statutory funding. The outstanding £1.2m has to be raised through fundraising initiatives and the support of the local community.