Hartlepool's March of the Mods makes £15,000 for charity

The fourth annual March of the Mods music and fashion event was another runaway success.

Held at The Staincliffe Hotel in Seaton Carew, it attracted hundreds of people who enjoyed two days of bands, acoustic acts and DJs.

Headlining the event was Steve Brookes, an original band member with The Jam.

Quadrophenia star Gary Shail compered the event which was also supported by This Is England actor George Newton.

Organiser Kev McGuire said: “It was a total success again. The place was just jam packed with about 900 people.

“People came from Scotland, London, and there was one couple from France.

“The Signatures took the roof off and had the crowd bouncing for the full hour.

“Then The Finetimes came on. By the end everyone was well and truly danced out.

“There was so much going on. It was just such a fun day.”

The £15,000, which matched last year’s total, came from ticket sales and raffle proceeds including one where the prize was a Vespa scooter.

The money will be shared between the Teenage Cancer Trust, Hartlepool’s Gretton Court Alzheimer’s services, and Zoe’s Place baby hospice in Middlesbrough, which cares for very young children from all over the region including Hartlepool.

A team of supporters from Zoe’s Place worked their socks off at the event.

There was also a range of stalls selling mod-themed clothes and other items.

Sunday was a more relaxed affair with a day of Northern Soul music which raised just under £1,000.

Kev thanked everyone who supported the weekend including all the performers who gave their time free of charge, and all of the staff at The Staincliffe Hotel.

He said March of the Mods will return next year.