SOUTH Lakeland flood victims were given valuable support as two charity concerts raised more than £5,000.

South African singer Lauren-Lee Bock and her band performed for two nights last Thursday and Friday, at Kendal Town Hall and the Leisure Centre respectively.

Alongside the music, the audience took part in an auction, bidding for spectacular prizes including a car, a golfing weekend and numerous items signed by celebrities.

Organiser David Gummers, of Ulverston, said: "The event as a whole was great. We are pleased with the amount of money we raised.

"Lauren loved it. She felt that her performances were very good.

"I feel that we put on a London standard show in Kendal."

A highlight of the two-day event included the handing-over of the car, which went to Hilary Coates, of Kendal.

The prize which raised the most money was a VIP golfing weekend at Royal Troon, which went for £550.

"The support we received from local and national companies was incredible," said Mr Gummers.

Musically, Lauren treated the crowds to a mixture of South African classics, her own originals and finished the night with a tribute to The Beatles, covering Let It Be.

Mr Gummers, who manages Lauren as well as working at F Dickinson Footwear in Ulverston, was so impressed with the performance that he offered the singer a full-time contract.

Lauren accepted, and plans to leave her old job as a music teacher and pursue a career in singing.

"We believe after that performance that Lauren has a pretty good future ahead of her," said Mr Gummers. "The positive feedback we have had has been truly humbling."