PARKINSON'S was put in its place recently at the very first Funky Chicken Music Festival.

The fundraiser for the Parkinson’s UK Borders Branch brought together bands and musicians from across the area.

As well as raising £1,000 for the local support group, the festival in Paxton Hall also raised the spirits of the many sufferers who enjoyed the day-long bash.

Inspired by her friend Clive Gray, one of a musical duo called Shades of Gray and himself living with Parkinson’s disease, Paxton’s Marlene Henderson planned the day of outrageously great music.

Many fine musicians offered their talents and time free for the occasion, including the Steve Morrison Band, the Tweed River Band, Tom Sykes, the Coldingham Ukelele Group, Laid Back and duo Mark Reid and Nick Holmes.

Marlene said: "The result of a huge team effort, including Paxton villagers across the generations, who baked and served free food all day, took tickets, decorated the hall - and to Danny and his team from the Cross Inn who served drinks - was the tidy sum of £1,000.

"We would like to also thank The Maltings, Magdalene Fields Golf Club, Berwick Garden Centre, Morrisons and The Music Gallery for their kind donations and to PFL Audio for providing their amazing sound system on the day."

The £1,000 cheque was presented to Gary Hattie of Parkinson’s UK Borders Branch this week at the Chaplaincy Centre at Borders General Hospital.

The Borders branch was set up in January 2000 to help improve the quality of life of people living with the progressive, neurological disease.

Gary said: "I’m delighted to accept this cheque for our branch.

"Next year we celebrate 20 years of providing support for Parkinson’s patients.

"We hold regular monthly meetings across the Borders and we love to arrange special outings for our fellow parkys.

"This generous cheque will ensure several great days out for our groups."

The local group holds monthly meetings at the Chaplaincy Centre at Borders General Hospital, as well as in Peebles, Hawick, Kelso, Newcastleton and Langholm.

There is also a monthly meeting in Galashiels for younger people.

A Parkinson’s Clinic also operates at the BGH with a Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist.

Parkinson’s UK Border Branch is totally self-funding, depending on fundraising and donations to provide valuable support to people living with Parkinson’s in the Scottish Borders.

To find out more about the group, volunteer or donate, contact Gary Hattie on 01750 22588 or garyhattie1@gmail.com