A sound way to help flood victims

Bentley residents braved the rain to turn out and see the show at the Party in the Park, held in Bentley Park.

The village was one of the Doncaster area's worst affected by the floods and locals turned out to celebrate their survival as a community despite the weather.

The only downside was that the number of people attending the event was fewer than organisers had hoped.

Audrey Thompson, whose home was only saved from the deluge by sandbags, said: "It's a shame there aren't more people here, but it's just the weather isn't it? You can't order that."

Her friend Pam Sutton, who is living in a touring van in the front garden of her home on the Manor Estate in Toll Bar, said: "It could be 18 months before we're able to move back into the house and it's very difficult.

"It's nice to see people turning out to support their neighbours - I just wish there were a few more of them.

"It is a real irony that it was the rain that made so many keep away, but there was a Rovers home match as well, and that won't have helped.

"It's not often you get a live outdoor concert in this area and it's a shame there aren't more people here to see it."

One of the stars of the show was former US Hot 100 chart-topper John Parr, who hit the number one spot with St Elmo's Fire in 1985.

He told The Star: "I want to support people and that's why I'm here.

"The effects of the flood aren't over and they won't be for a long time. People forget it doesn't just affect properties, it affects peoples families too - and it has devastated lives, not just families."

The singer hit the stage at around 3pm, and joked beforehand: "It's a bit early for rock 'n' roll but I'm sure it will be a good gig!"

Other acts appearing at the festival included local rockers The Torn, and songwriter Steve Womack. The day also featured a talent contest, which was judged by Doncaster's former Coronation Street and The Bill star Chris Walker.

Organisers the North Doncaster Development Trust are unable to say so far how much money was raised on the day.