Barnsley band, The Soul Jam, raised almost £4,000 for charity at its annual 'Soul Aid' party at the Metrodome Arena.

 

The event, last month, was the third time the band has organised the bash, which this year raised money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.

 

The 20-piece band, several of whom are teachers in Barnsley schools, rarely play in their home town due to private bookings, including a recent show in Birmingham with TV comic Jason Manford.

 

The band, which plays songs by artists including Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin, played to more than 500 people at the Metrodome, which also saw local band Pulp Friction perform.

 

Organiser Ross Keeble said they were delighted with this year's turnout.

 

"The events have proved so popular that each year we've had to move venues to increase capacity. The Metrodome was a fantastic setting for this year's Soul Aid and we're very proud of the money we raised.

 

"With scope to go even bigger next year we've already secured the same venue and will announce details in the New Year."