A FUNDRAISING music night is being held in memory of a popular York primary school teacher.

Peter Heale, who taught at Lord Deramore's School in Heslington, lost his battle against pancreatic cancer, and died in March aged 41.

Mr Heale, who in the past was nominated as Teacher of the Year in The Press's Community Pride Awards, organised a party before he died for his friends and family at York Maze, and raised £723 for Macmillan Cancer Support, who had helped him.

Now, his friend, Peter Richmond, a renowned guitarist, along with fellow musician Keith Watson, will be performing a night of guitar and mandolin at St James’ Church, Murton, on Saturday, May 17 to raise money for the Murton Centenary Appeal and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Richmond said: "The event will help the local appeal, but will also give something back to the charity which helped a close friend of Peter's.

“Peter was a good friend of mine, not least as a fellow band member in Whyte Fyre.

"I knew that Macmillan really helped him, and I wanted to give something back for the support that he and his family received from the charity. This evening will be a lovely tribute to a wonderful man."

Music on the night will come from Mr Richmond, a well-known guitarist and guitar teacher from Murton, who will be performing along with Mr Watson on the mandolin.

Nominating Mr Heale for the Community Pride Award in 2008, a then Lord Deramore's pupil, Sasa Fouladi-Pour, described Mr Heale as a "one-in-a-million" teacher who always had time to help pupils.

Tickets for the event , which starts at 7.30pm, cost just £10 which includes all refreshments, and the proceeds will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and the Murton Centenary Appeal. To book your ticket contact either Mr Richmond on (01904) 488581, or David Waddington on (01904) 489393.