A MUSICAL group has raised more than £500 for the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS), with the promise of more to come.

York St John Musical Production Society (MPS), has chosen IDAS as its charity partner, and gave half their proceeds from their opening showcase to the charity.

The university is working with IDAS, and other groups including York College and Survive on a student led project, Building Healthy Relationships, to promote healthy relationships, consent and respect, and MPS's latest production of Footloose depicts an abusive teenage relationship. The group has invited IDAS to take part in a Q&A session with the actors, and will hold bucket collections after the shows.

Joshua Clark, President of MPS, said: "We, as a society, believe that everyone should feel safe but if they don't, then we try our best to offer the right kind of support.

"Domestic abuse is something that deeply affects young people, as some of our members unfortunately already know, and those that have lived with it are among the strongest people I know. The importance of IDAS cannot be understated, and we hope that the money we have raised can go towards helping those who desperately need it."

Dawn Bargate, from IDAS, said: "We are delighted that the students have identified this opportunity for us to work together to raise awareness of domestic abuse and we are very grateful that they will be fundraising for us."

Anyone who is affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence can get support from IDAS on their helpline 03000110110.

Tickets for Footloose will be on sale soon.