NORTHUMBERLAND multi-instrumentalist duo Andrew and Margaret Watchorn are travelling 400 miles south from their home to headline a fundraising concert in aid of Children’s Hospice South West at the Monks Yard near Ilminster.

Their repertoire covers a wide range of traditional tunes and songs, some of which they will be performing for the second half of the concert.

Concert organiser Martin Hudson first heard the duo at Berwick-upon-Tweed in 2013.

“I was captivated by their wonderful playing and the way they connected with the audience,” said Martin. “I knew I wanted them to come and perform in Somerset.”

The first half of the concert on Saturday, October 17, 2015, will begin with performances by the Isle Valley Singers, a local choir drawn from Ilminster’s Serenade Choir and the Isle Abbots Choir under the direction of David Sutcliffe. The singers will perform a selection of contemporary and traditional songs.

Martin said: “It’s great to have a group of singers from the two choirs to be part of this event, they have put in so much time and effort to be ready for the concert and I know they will give a great performance.”

Also performing in the first half will be young singing and songwriting talent Courteney Yeoell. Courteney is gaining acclaim for her fine singing which covers a wide range of genres. She sings solo, duet and plays with a local rock band.

During the interval there will be a raffle draw with prizes generously donated by local businesses and organisations.

Following the prize draw, Kylie Gallagher, the Wraxall hospice-based community fundraiser for

Children’s Hospice South West, will be outline the good work of the charity.

Wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be on sale during the evening.

The concert will be held at Monks Yard, Horton Cross Farm, Ilminster on Saturday, October 17, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 each and can be obtained from Martin Hudson on 01460-62075.