MUSICIANS from around the Lancaster district came out in droves at the weekend to support Lancaster Musicians' Co-op.

"The Yorkie Weekender", a three-day music festival at The Yorkshire House, Lancaster, saw musicians and music lovers all come together to appreciate Lancaster's musical talent.

Organisers, Angelica, managed to raise more than £1,000 during the festival and would like to thank all of the local businesses, individuals and bands who helped to make the weekend a success.

Angelica's Brigit Colton said: 'All nights reached full capacity and many hundreds of raffle tickets were bought.

"Each night pulled a different crowd of music lovers and every night the atmosphere was electric. You could sense a spirit of community and camaraderie as everyone got behind the music Co-op and showed their support."

Lancaster's Mayor, Coun Eileen Blamire, a strong supporter of the co-op said: " People feel very strongly about keeping the Co-op. The co-op is certainly very dear to my heart and I am really pleased to hear that so much money has been raised.

"I hope the council does not bow down to developers because the co-op is in such a good location and I can't think of anywhere else of housing it."

MP Hilton Dawson also showed his support: 'This just shows how important the Co-op is and how much it is valued by Lancaster people. I think that it has a great future."

A film was made of the whole weekend which is hoped to be screened in the near future, along with other co-op benefit events.