A QUEEN tribute band has used musical talent to raise more than £9,000 for the Special Care Baby Unit at York District Hospital.

A cheque for £9,120 has now been presented to the unit following a special concert, marking the tenth anniversary of Freddie Mercury's death, which took place at The Barbican Centre in York.

The money is going towards the purchase of two replacement ventilators, which cost £20,000 each.

The Kings Of Queen first got to know staff at the unit when a former member had a baby who was cared for at the hospital.

The band have since been asked by the unit to perform at various fundraising events, but were unable to because of prior commitments - until this concert.

The successful concert included a guest choir from Queen Ethelburga's College, Thorpe Underwood, near York, which joined the band for two numbers.

Updated: 12:45 Monday, December 03, 2001