AN EVENING of festive music in Darlington will raise vital funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The annual concert, now in its 32nd year, will be played by the Darlington Concert Band and conducted by John MacKenzie, musical director of the Darlington Clarinet Ensemble and the Gainford Choral Society.

The concert is held every year by John, to support his nephew who has cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the UK’s most common life-threatening inherited diseases affecting about 300 people in the North East.

The condition causes the lungs and digestive system to become clogged with mucus making it hard to breathe or digest food.

Each week five babies are born with CF and two young people die – 90 per cent from lung damage. Only half of those living with Cystic Fibrosis are likely to live past 41, although improvements in treatments mean a baby born today is expected to live even longer.

The concert will take place at the All Saints Church in Ravensdale Road, Darlington on December 22 at 7.30pm.

The bar will be open from 7pm and there will be free mince pies and a raffle for those who come early, to get everyone into the festive spirit.

Money raised from the carol concert will fund medical research to fight the symptoms of, and treat the cause of Cystic Fibrosis, as well as providing direct support for people with Cystic Fibrosis and their families.

Tickets cost £8 for adults, £6 concessions, and children under 16 go free.

For tickets contact 01325-350415 or Pat Kilpatrick, Regional Fundraising Manager for the CF Trust in the North East on 0300-373-1046 or email pkilpatrick@cftrust.org.uk