ONE of the country's leading church musicians and his two daughters have raised just over £1,000 for

a church near Inkberrow.

The Grier Trio played a special concert as a gift towards the £40,000 appeal for masonry work on the 14th century bell tower of Abbots Morton's Grade-I listed St Peter's church, Abbots Morton.

The concert was held in nearby Inkberrow parish church where Francis Grier used to practice the organ as a teenager when his parents lived in Redditch.

The 58-year-old wanted to put on the concert free of charge as he was married in Abbots Morton church 24 years ago and his sister still lives in the village.

Using a grand piano hired in for the event from Vale Pianos, he performed a variety of works including one he composed himself with his daughters Savitri, 21, on violin and Indira, 19, on cello.

Lynne Pemberton, Abbots Morton Bell Tower committee member, said: "More than 100 people bought tickets and they were treated to a wonderful concert . People have described it as 'spellbinding' and 'breathtaking'.

"The Grier Trio are hugely respected musicians and to have so much talent in one family is incredible. It was an honour to see and hear them."

Along with £208 raised at a Health, Beauty and Wellbeing Evening in Abbots Morton village hall, the Grio Trio's concert has pushed the Bell Tower Fund to £34,432.