A CONCERT starring a former member of X Factor runners-up G4 has raised £12,500 for a charity set up in memory of a Trimpley woman who died riverboarding in New Zealand.

The event at Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday was in aid of the Emily Jordan Foundation, started by parents Chris and Sarah as a legacy to their 21-year-old daughter from Trimpley who died in April last year.

The aim of the charity is to help and support people with learning difficulties and focuses on local groups struggling for support.

A raffle raised more than £1,000 and an auction of prizes including lunch with the concert’s compere, Lord Digby Jones, brought in £4,000.

Jane Dunn, who organised the event with her husband, Chris, said: “The highlight of the auction was when three people were left bidding for lunch with Digby at the House of Lords.

“A figure of £800 had been reached, at which point Digby offered to do three lunches if they all paid £800 - which everyone agreed to. So, Digby's offer of lunch raised £2,400.”

Michael Christie, an ex-member of G4, the pop-operatic band that finished second in the 2004 X Factor series and went on to sell 1.5 million albums in the UK, performed hits at the concert including Walking in Memphis.

He was joined by popular performers Russell Painter, Beth Dunn, Sara Weaver and Jack Ludwig at the show, along with eight-year-old Chloe Davies, who belted out My Favourite Things and Where is Love?

Miss Jordan, who graduated in law from Swansea University, was involved in helping people through her voluntary work with Wyre Forest LAFS (Learn Achieve Fun Socialise) – a voluntary organisation for young people with learning difficulties.