ARMED with a just a guitar, a keyboard and a ton of goodwill, a Rubery couple have raised more than £500 for the George Mitchell Appeal Fund.

William Stevens, Mary Bricknall and their pet dog bombarded shoppers with festive songs outside Safeway in Great Park, Rubery, in aid of the critically ill town toddler.

As distant relatives of two-year-old George, who has a rare brain tumour, they decided to pull out all the stops and raise as much money as they could.

George's parents, Sophie and Fraser, are desperately trying to raise the £70,000 needed to send him to New York for pioneering medical treatment.

"The quicker the money is raised, the quicker we can get George better," said Mary.

"I started with a penny in my pocket and hoped it would open the floodgates to plenty more money, and it has done. We have raised about £560 altogether now."

Along with performing at Safeway, the couple have been busking in the Lickey Hills car park and at the Royal British Legion Club in Rubery.

Mary added: "It has been quite exciting and we have had such a marvellous response from people, everyone wants to help."

A delighted Fraser Mitchell said: "We feel very humble at the level of support we have been receiving."

If you would like to donate to the George Mitchell Appeal fund log on to www.pledgeforgeorge.co.uk or call 07950271067.

Alternatively donations can be made at Lloyds TSB account number 30-98-41 04752989.