DALES farmer Peter Fall is throwing open his barns for the eighth year running to stage a charity concert that has already raised over £45,000 for causes close to his heart.

Backed by his wife Barbara and family, they play host to The Barn That Rocks, a unique music event that has earned a special place in the social calendar of the Dales. Their family home at Grazing Nook Farm, Patrick Brompton near Bedale is turned into a concert venue for the evening. It's been held over the past few years since 70 year-old Peter came up with the idea at a funeral.

He said: "We were talking to friends who were there and saying what a pity it was that we only ever saw each other at funerals. From there the idea came to have an annual event featuring live music.

"Barbara and I like all music, from opera to heavy metal, so we decided to go for a wide range of popular music. We have a large grain store at the farm and we just decided to use it to put a bit of a night on,” added Mr Fall.

That bit of a night has now grown into a major concert featuring local bands and catering for up to 800 people with local food and drink.

"We like to think the Barn That Rocks provides a unique concert of live music for people aged from eight to 80, whilst raising money for local charities. There's music for everyone and people always end up dancing the night away," said Peter.

This year it's in aid of the Friends of the Friarage hospital, last year the family were astonished to raise their highest amount so far, £15,500 for the same charity.

He added: "It was a great honour and privilege to stage the event last year for the benefit of the Friends of the Friarage. It is very important to support this well loved hospital which covers such a wide catchment area. That is why we wanted to support it this year too, it will be to the benefit of a large number of local people.

“As a family, we have used the services of the hospital ourselves over the years, most recently when I had a hernia operation, and have found it to be a friendly place providing a high quality of care."

This year local bands Sugartown, Jack Critchlow, 1Two3Four and Stax will be providing the entertainment. "We are really looking forward to it, there's a lot of work involved but it is worth it, and there is a growing demand for tickets every year, also it does give us a chance to catch up with many friends," added Mr Fall.

The Barn That Rocks is on Saturday June 9, tickets are £12.50 for adults and £5 for under sixteens who have to be accompanied by an adult. They are on sale now at the farm and at Rhubarb and Roses and the Weighhouse in Bedale.