BRIDGWATER band Retro managed to raise more than £1,200 at a packed charity gig in memory of their late trumpet player Nigel Aisthorpe.

The band’s first gig of the year will be long remembered with people being turned away from the Malt Shovel pub which was full to capacity.

It was also their first performance without Nigel who lost his battle with cancer in November.

Proceeds go to St Margaret’s Hospice who had provided care for Nigel.

Keyboard player Colin Heath said the band was overwhelmed with the turn out. “It was a great evening,” he told the Mercury.

“There were people being turned away, the pub was that full – we couldn’t believe it. “We were a bit overwhelmed by it all to be honest.

“We’re just glad to have been able to raise such a fantastic amount for St Margaret’s because they provided Nigel with great care.”

The band has chosen the Taunton-based hospice as its chosen charity after former bassist was also given support by St Margaret’s staff during his battle with cancer.

As well as the gig the band also raffled a Mulberry handbag which had been donated by the luxury goods firm to raise extra funds.

The total amount raised was £1,219.41. Julie Draper, community fundraiser for St. Margaret’s Hospice, said: “A huge thank you to the band members, their wives and partners, to Colin & Tina Heath, Nigel’s partner Lesley, to Alan and everyone at Mulberry.

“Many thanks also to The Malt Shovel and to everyone who purchased raffle tickets on the night or threw money into the donation buckets, and to the local businesses for the very kind donations of some terrific raffle prizes.

“This is a tremendous amount of money and much appreciated by everyone at St Margaret’s – it was a fantastic event.”