A SPECIAL gala evening in memory of a well-known Taunton and Wellington figure who passed away last year, has raised more than £1,500 for Musgrove Park Hospital.

Philip Knighton worked on Apple FM, the hospital's radio station, and was also known to many around Wellington as the "gramophone man" as he ran a shop in Wellington.

He died on February 20, 2016, after a battle with cancer and his wife Viv and daughter Lizzie decided to hold a concert at the Brewhouse to raise funds for the hospital to say thank you.

The concert, which took place on February 4 raised £1562.45 for the Beacon Centre and haematology ward.

Lizzie said: "We wanted to take an opportunity to recognise dad and all that he lived for and also to give a little back by raising much needed funds for Musgrove Hospital’s charity, “Love Musgrove” and in particular, ward nine at The Beacon Centre who cared for dad throughout his illness."

The concert featured music from The Amici Choir, The Tone Valley Jazz Band and the Wellington Operatic Society among others.