The trust, set up in memory of Westoe Travel apprentice Chloe Rutherford, 17, and her partner, Liam Curry, 19, who were killed in the Manchester Arena bombing last year, hosted the fundraiser in South Shields’ Bents Park on Sunday (August 12), featuring a headline performance from X Factor winner and local boy Joe McElderry.

It also gave some of the youngsters assisted by the trust the chance to shine in front of a vocal and wildly supportive local audience.

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Trustee Graeme Brett, director of Westoe Travel, said the trust had raised more than £175,000 and was on course to top £200,000 by the end of the year.

Brett added more than £60,000 had already been distributed among 20 local youngsters to fund classes, training and courses to boost their skills.

Proceeds from the concert will join those of a charity cricket match next month as well as sponsorships from 30 entrants in the Great North Run.