THREE York railwaymen with a passion for soul music have raised more than £10,000 for charity in the last 18 months - and now they are planning to double that with more big fundraising events.

In their day jobs, Nick Beilby, of Heworth, is Network Rail's territory infrastructure protection manager; Andy Bellwood, of Bilbrough, has a national role for Network Rail, while Steve Bradley, of Tockwith, is a railway agency supply planner.

But in their spare time, the trio devote themselves to YKSoul, collecting rare soul records and playing soul music for charity

YKSoul events have raised over £10,000 in 18 months for teenage cancer, leukaemia and meningitis charities.

Nick and Andy's fund raising also boosted by Network Rail's Partners In Giving scheme, which has provided matching funding.

Now their aim over the next 12 months is to boost the total raised to £20,000.

On Saturday, November 22, the DJs will play Northern, Motown, Philly, modern anthems and soul club classics at Temple Hall, York St John's College, with all proceeds going to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

"This city centre venue has a wall-to-wall wooden dance floor, late bar and space for record dealers," said Andy.

"As with all YKSoul events, the stage backdrop will have projected archive soul film clips and images."

He said anyone wanting a ticket, costing £5, should phone Tina on 07762 365337.

The trio are also planning a follow-up on Saturday, January 22, to a soul night at Le Meridien Hotel (now the Royal York Hotel) last January, which raised over £3,500 for Leukaemia Research.

York's 2nd Charity Soul Ball, featuring "dance floor" Northern and Motown, plus across-the-board club classics, will collect money this time for Macmillan Cancer Relief. For tickets, costing £5, phone 01904 799545.

Andy also appealed to anyone with a collection of vinyl soul records which they no longer wanted to let them be sold at a charity record stall, which will be held at both events.

Anyone wanting to donate anything should phone 01937 530231 or 01904 422120 any evening.

Updated: 10:04 Saturday, August 21, 2004