Gig to support PC fundraiser
Villagers near Lichfield are urged to support a fundraising concert for their local bobby on Wednesday after his house was destroyed in a gas explosion.
A concert in aid of Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Steve Smith – who pounds the streets of Barton-under-Needwood – and his family will be held at St James Church from 7.30pm.
The officer, who is part of a team from Uttoxeter Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU), lost his Burton upon Trent home in May.
Together with his wife Christine and two sons, the family have been temporarily rehoused in the town.
An insurance claim for the incident is on-going.
The benefit concert of well known music, called One Day at a Time, will feature the Hanbury Singers and guests, under their conductor Brian Draper.
Donations of £5 are asked for the tickets, which are now on sale at the post office, or on the door.
Councillor Brian Bartram, parish council chairman, said the concert had been organised by the council and the church.
"It is a nice gesture on behalf of the village to help Steve in his hour of need," said councillor Bartram. "The villagers think an awful lot of him. He has done a terrific job talking to people and keeping the peace. It is our way of helping him."
