CARTMEL rocked to the sound of music at a charity festival inspired by brother and sister Joe and Connie Elson.

Nine-year-old Connie and her brother Joe, seven, both have a rare inherited degenerative condition that affects just one in 40,000 people. The family's plight has touched the hearts of villagers and supporters further afield.

Thousands of people from across Cumbria and Lancashire flocked to Cartmel for this year's Joe and Connie Calling festival to watch 30 bands, four singing groups, three dance troupes and classical ensemble Blue Topaz.

The event has raised money for Butterfly Hugs, the charity set up by the Elsons and their friends to help other families in their hour of need, who are coping with life-limiting or terminal illnesses.

Aged three, Joe was diagnosed with MLD, the same incurable disease as his older sister. He underwent groundbreaking and gruelling gene therapy in Italy to prevent the onset of symptoms, but tragically Connie could not be treated as her symptoms had already begun.

Festival organiser David Hamer said: "We were overwhelmed, not just with the attendance but by the support of the local business community. The pubs, the sandwich shop, the Priory, the racecourse, Unsworth's Yard - I can't think of many places where so many businesses would come together to support a day like this."

Alongside music, the festival - also known as Cartmel Rocks - featured a fairground, treasure hunt, guided walks, cookery demonstration and display from living history group Iron Shepherds. To make the day possible, 49 volunteers helped out.

"We're really enthused by the success of this year - the feedback has been fantastic," said David.

"Most importantly, this day exists to raise funds for our charity, Butterfly Hugs, which supports young families in South Lakeland and beyond who are coping with life-limiting or terminal illness."

Organisers are already planning 2019’s event which they promise will be even better.

For more, visit www.butterflyhugs.co.uk