PARTY band Huge rocked York city centre with a special gig - and helped raise cash for two charity causes.

The gig, in aid of the Lifesaver appeal to pay for a St John's Ambulance Crusader ambulance and Nestl charity Sweet Charity, saw Huge belt out favourites such as King Of The Swingers and Mary's Prayer.

Shoppers and shop staff stopped to enjoy the Saturday lunchtime fun - and joined in the choruses.

Huge frontman Big Ian said: "It was a great atmosphere. People from shops were coming out, bringing us cups of tea. There was a lot of audience banter, which is just the way we like it."

The £45,000 campaign to pay for the St John's crusader ambulance has been backed by the Evening Press. To contribute, send cheques made payable to St John Ambulance Appeal to St John Ambulance, St John House, 236 Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 2EZ.

Tickets are selling fast for Huge's big annual concert, taking place at the Barbican on November 1. About 1,200 tickets have gone already for the gig, at which Huge will play with a 20-piece big band.

To book, or for more details, phone 01904 656688.

Updated: 10:43 Monday, September 01, 2003