A BRADFORD band helped to raise thousands of pounds for two charities in the run-up to Christmas.

Sawdust - a covers band playing pop and rock songs spanning the last 50 years - performed charity gigs at Martinez in Bingley and at the Birches in Eldwick, raising a total of £1,500 which will be split between Mind and Leeds Children's Hospital.

Mark Chrystyn, lead male vocal and rhythm guitarist, said: "Mind is a charity that is close to my heart after I had a mental health breakdown in 2008.

"We've been doing acoustic gigs at Christmas to raise money for Mind since 2018.

"This year's total was more than double what we've managed previously and we cannot thank both Martinez and Birches enough, and their customers for all their support.

"As Leeds Children's Hospital is a charity close to the hearts of the owners at Birches, we agreed to raise money for them as well this year."

He added: "Both of the shows were great this year with both pubs being busy and the fantastic audience singing along to all the festive hits.

"We'll look forward to doing it all again in 2024."