SONG and merriment filled Kidderminster Town Hall on Friday and Saturday courtesy of Wyre Forest's own Last Night of the Proms.

Organisers of the 22nd Music for You spectacular Terry Wilcox and Tony Sabey said the two-night event was a "great success" - despite a fall in numbers which Mr Wilcox described as a "blip".

The charity extravaganza's jam-packed musical programme included performances by the acclaimed Stourport Brass Band, Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra, West Midland Light Orchestra, Stourport Choral and Operatic Society and Kidderminster Town Hall organist Tim Morris.

The unfurling of new banners for the first time in 22 years, and bidding of fond farewells to singing sensation John Hutton who retired from West Midland Light Orchestra and the Music For You secretary Mabel Bond, also marked the occasion.

Norman Broome of Kidderminster Carnival also presented a £5,000 cheque to John Fletcher of Kemp Hospice.

Music for You treasurer Mr Sabey said it was not yet known how much cash the event had raised for its beneficiaries, Kemp Hospice, Cancer Research, Action Medical Research and Kidderminster Hospital League of Friends, but said more than £112,000 had been donated in previous years.

Meanwhile, chairman Mr Wilcox appealed for new sponsors, adding he was looking forward to next year's event on October 8 and 9.

"This year will be looked upon as a blip because we haven't done as well as previous years. We've had extra expenses and a sponsor dropped out," he said.

"We're looking forward to having the Valentines next year as our choir and we also need more sponsors.

"It's just amazing how well it does every year," he added.