THE tenth anniversary celebration of a popular music event will help young people who self-harm.

Over the course of a decade, Thank You for the Music has raised more than £43,000 for good causes locally and nationally.

The event is organised by vocal coach Viveca Bradshaw and participated in by her students and performers who have entertained hundreds of people over the years, with a succession of lively performances in Darlington.

Each year, the show highlights the strength of local talent and brings together fans of music in a show of support for a range of charities.

Throughout the ten years it has been running, Thank You for the Music has inspired donations to organisations including the Teenage Cancer Trust, Age UK, St Teresa’s Hospice, Newcastle RVI and anti-bullying charity Red Balloon.

This year, having been moved by the plight of the rising number of youngsters who self-harm, Ms Bradshaw decided to stage the event in aid of Mind Darlington, who provide mental health support for those affected.

She said: “They help young people who self-harm and have mental health issues free of charge.

“As things are right now, I feel this is a very poignant subject and we need to do all we can to help our local youngsters.

“When teaching, I hear about this a lot and, especially when considering the impact of social media and bullying in schools, I want to help this charity as much as I can.”

The next show will be staged in two sessions at The Forum on Sunday, December 23 and will be attended by special guests including Darlington’s mayor, Cllr Veronica Copeland and former mayor, Cllr Gerald Lee, who has supported the event for several years.

Cllr Lee said: “In teaching children song, dance and drama, organisers are giving a real gift to the community.

“Viveca and her sisters have also encouraged their students to perform at events for the Celebrating Communities initiative and they have brought so much to local people.

“To raise £43,000 for charities is an amazing achievement, it is an astronomical amount and everyone involved should be very proud.”

The evening session of Thank You for the Music will be attended by Geordie Shore stars Nathan Henry and Abbie Holborn and Big Brother’s Anthony Hutton.

Ms Bradshaw is hoping that it will help to raise thousands for Darlington Mind and has also launched an online appeal for donations. For more information, visit Abbey Road Vocal Studios on Facebook or call 07754 967756.

To donate online, visit gofundme.com/thank-you-for-the-music-2018