A FUNDRAISING evening held in memory of a popular councillor who died earlier this year has raised more than £1,000 for charity.

Eggy Joe’s Big Night out was held at The Forum, in Borough Road, Darlington, last month in memory of Councillor Joe Lyonette, who died suddenly on New Year’s Eve aged 50.

Cllr Lyonette represented the Park East ward on Darlington Borough Council, and was instrumental in the running of Darlington Carnival, as well as being trained as a counsellor.

The father-of-two was also a punk rock fan, and in a touching tribute, his friends and family arranged the fundraising concert in his memory.

The event featured performances by Astoma, Skybabies and The Lost Rockers – three bands who Cllr Lyonette introduced through Darlington Carnival – and raised £1,250 for the children’s counselling charity, Place2Be.

His friend and organiser of the event, Tom Whitton, said: “It was absolutely brilliant.

“I ended up being on stage introducing the bands, so was a bit nervous. But I didn’t need to be, as everyone was brilliant.

“The Forum was absolutely full and we raised £1,250 for Place2Be, the charity that Joe supported as a volunteer as counsellor for families and children.

“Joe would have been chuffed to bits.”