ROCK stars Shed Seven’s special gig in York is expected to raise a show-stopping five-figure sum for charity.

The indie favourites played a one-off gig at Fibbers last night in aid of local homeless charities York Arc Light and Safe and Sound Homes (SASH).

It was their first charity gig since they played the Barbican in 2002 to help York City Supporters’ Trust in its bid to save the football club, though they also played an acoustic set in St Paul’s Church in Holgate for St Leonard’s Hospice when they re-formed in 2007.

All the money from last night’s tickets, which sold out within hours of being made available back in early April, was donated to the fund, as were all profits from Fibbers’ bar takings, plus cash from a raffle.

The Sheds had even put the support slot up for auction on eBay in a unique – and slightly risky - gesture to raise even more money.

The winning bid, of £1,130, came from a band called Hunters, from Staffordshire, who were handed a half-hour slot before the main show.

The band are playing ten festivals and shows throughout the summer and this gig was the first – and an extra special one, according to frontman Rick Witter.

“Home-town gigs are always special,” he said.

“There’s always an edge to them for the simple reason we’ve got to walk these streets.

“The fact it was for charity gave everyone an extra lift too.”

Arc Light is particularly close to guitarist Paul Banks’ heart.

He first worked with the charity back in 2009 with his film production company, Digifish, making an award-winning music video starring some of the residents from the York homeless centre.

Rick said: “Homelessness should not be allowed to happen in this day and age. Everyone should have somewhere to live and this gig is something we can do in our own little way to help.

“Paul worked closely with Arc Light for a few years and has seen at first hand just how homelessness affects lives and how it can affect anyone.”

Emma Bracegirdle, from SASH, which tackles youth homelessness, said: “It’s brilliant to see a great York band playing to a packed venue for important local charities like ours. It makes us feel like we’re all in it together to prevent homelessness.”

Arc Light is a charity that provides accommodation and support to homeless men and women in Clarence Street in York .

It has 35 bedrooms, meeting and counselling spaces as well as education, health, fitness and community facilities.