MUSIC lovers flocked to the Smirnoff Bar in Chepstow on Saturday, to help raise money for Thornwell Primary school.

Thornaid, was the brainchild of Chepstow school sixth-former and former Thornwell pupil, Matt Barnes. The 17-year-old who is also the lead guitarist of rock band, The Scary Door, organised the event in the wake of the fire that destroyed the primary school's Infant and Nursery building on June 3. Determined to do what he could to help the school get back on its feet, he rallied the support of a number of local bands, including Iridium, Riot Act, Doomchild, and his 13-year-old brother Ollie's band, It's a Trap, to put on the benefit gig.

Licensee of the Smirnoff Bar on Welsh Street, Alison Beasley, kindly offered the premises as the venue, offering free entry on the night.

Hundreds of people attended throughout the evening, including Thornwell Cllr, Armand Watts, who praised the performances, saying: "It was fantastic to see such a good turnout and so many local people getting together to support the school. The bands were very impressive and it was a thoroughly enjoyable night."

Jo Barnes, mother of Matt and Ollie and a former Governor of Thornwell Primary, said: "There was a really buzzy atmosphere and I'm so pleased. It was good to raise so much money."

In total, more than £500 was raised on the night.