A SIX hour “big band spectacular” has raised more than £500 for a new cancer care centre.

Four bands took part in the swingathon session held at The Forum in Northallerton to raise money for the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Care Centre.

The new £10m cancer centre is set to be completed in summer next year in the grounds of the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton.

The centre has been jointly funded by North Yorkshire-based philanthropist Sir Robert Ogden and Macmillan cancer support charity. It will include 14 treatment bays to treat up to 35 people a day, as well as two day bedrooms, two complementary therapy rooms, a Macmillan cancer information and support centre and treatment and consulting rooms.

The Forum Big Band event featured the Alf Hind Big Band, Big Band Theory and Northallerton Music Centre Swing Band and raised £539.

Forum manager Annalisa Ward said: “Congratulations to the bands on this fantastic fund-raiser for such a good cause.”