STAFF from York St John University raised more than £1,300 for its student hardship fund at a talent competition.

The university’s first Staff Big Band Idol was held to raise funds for the Securing Potential and Releasing Knowledge fund (SPARK), and featured 12 staff members from across the university performing swing classics to an audience of 170.

Music was provided by the York St John Students’ Union Big Band, and the winners of the competition were Kathryn Hassell, Frankie Sharpe and Stephanie Ley from the Student Advice Team with their version of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

Colin Parkin, director of facilities, said: “The evening was a resounding success with staff entering whole-heartedly into the spirit of the event.

“The organising team did a fantastic job and the money raised will go straight back to supporting students at York St John during their time with us.”

SPARK was launched in 2005 and has raised more than £100,000 for students at York St John.