A CHARITY night has raised £400 for an amateur theatre group in Derwentside.

Worshipful Master Alan Errington, of the Freemasons' Benfeldsyde Lodge, in Blackhill, Consett, presented the Friends of the Empire with a cheque.

He handed over the money to the friends' chairman, Pat Boustead, at the theatre group's monthly coffee morning.

Mr Errington said: "The money was raised from a raffle which took place during Benfeldsyde Lodge's December meeting.

The Friends of the Empire has organised a variety show of local talent, including Hugh Malone, on Monday, February 6, at 7pm.

Tickets are £4, £3 for friends and £2 for children, from the box office on (01207) 218171.