A SOUTH Shropshire 60s music night raised more than £5,000 to help buy a leaning support system for a local girl with a rare genetic disorder.

Four-year-old Sophie Jones from Ludlow suffers from a rare chromosome disorder called 1P36 Deletion Syndrome, which causes communication, movement and learning difficulties.

The money raised at the annual charity event has helped buy a ‘Smartbox’ to support Sophie’s movement and communication skills.

Sophie’s mum Kelly said: "The Smartbox communication aid uses a grid system. Sophie is learning how to use it to help her communicate with us and people who help support her day to day.

"Sophie is able to press an icon and it will say the word for her. Being able to use this system will help alleviate some of her frustration and ensure she can keep in contact with her peers.

"As the tablet talks, we are hoping this will also help her to develop the skills to be able to talk too.’’

Some of the money raised will also help pay for some of the support Sophie receives from Megan Baker House near Leominster.

Mike Morris, event organiser said: "I’m a massive 60s music fan and the 2018 event was the 12th Annual Charity Night we’ve run.

"Over the year’s we have raised about £55,000 for charity and we are really pleased that last year’s money has helped Sophie.

"As organisers, we want to thank friends and family and everybody who came and supported the event.’’

Held at the Assembly Rooms in Ludlow, the invitation only event, boasted a the line-up that included The Mersybeats, Swinging Blue Jeans, Vanity Fare and Lonnie Donegan’s son Tony – singing his dad’s songs.

This year’s charity music night is planned for the end of March 2019 at Ludlow Racecourse and is in aid of Midland Air Ambulance.

Past acts have included Marty Wilde, The Manfred’s and Mike Berry, but – as is the tradition of the event – this year’s line-up is a closely guarded secret.