MORE than 250 people gathered in Chollerton and raised £5,000 at the second Homestead Gathering in Chollerton.

Dr Meryl Batchelder, subject leader for science at Corbridge Middle School, endured a gruelling treatment regime after her diagnosis with breast cancer in 2016.

The festival began last year as a party for family and friends to thank them for their support.

But the small party idea grew and, over the August bank holiday, Dr Batchelder and her husband, Richard Johnston, held a three day music festival on their smallholding in Chollerton for the second year running.

Of the money raised, £3,000 was donated to Stand Up 2 Cancer (Cancer Research) and £500 each to the Tyne River Trust, the Tiny Lives Trust at the RVI, Every Breath – Jake’s Legacy and Marie Curie North-East.

This year the Gathering was sponsored by Hexham-based company Multichem Ltd.

The music included 13 live acts from local youth talent including Prudhoe’s Beth Veal to Who's Next, Europe's number one tribute to The Who.

Other headliners included North-East Pink Floyd tribute Prism on the Friday night and the Often Herd on Sunday.

Coun. Derek Kennendy, guest speaker at the Gathering, said: “I am so very proud to have been part of such a wonderful community event raising thousands of pounds for charity.

"The three days are great fun with fantastic bands and food. A huge thank you to all of the volunteers."