A rock spectacular is being staged to raise money for a condition that is claiming the lives of young people.

The charity night will take place at the Stella Club in Albany, Washington, with all the proceeds going to Cry (Cardiac Risk in the Young), a charity which helps to increase awareness of heart problems.   

The event at 7pm on Friday, February 16, will also mark the launch of Hometown Parade, a showcase of the Washington music scene featuring six local bands and special guests Lurios, from Stockton. 

the charity night is in tribute to Stephen Donovan, 23, from Stockton, who died of an unforeseen heart problem in March last year. 

Tickets for the charity event cost £5 and are on sale at the Stella Club in Albany Village Centre.  To view Hometown Parade visit www.myspace.com/hometownparades. 

Bands playing at the launch night are the Columbian Pirates, Melted Dog, The Vennablast, Andy Parmley of Lurios, The Six Fifties, The Beau's and Solomon's Burden. 

West Rainton couple Sandra and Jeff Morland, who lost their son Levon aged 22 to a rare heart disorder, have raised more than £100,000 for Cry to prevent other parents going through the same heartache. 

Levon died in his sleep in January, 2002, from Wolfe Parkinson White Syndrome, which causes a rapid heartbeat and symptoms including palpitations, light-headedness and blackouts.