Patti Smith plays Hebden Bridge gig for flood relief fund

Patti Smith's Hebden Bridge gig will be in front of 190 people

Veteran rock singer Patti Smith is aiding flood victims in the Calder Valley by donating proceeds from a gig she is playing in Hebden Bridge.

Tickets for the US singer-songwriter's performance at the Trades Club on 8 September sold out within 90 minutes.

It is understood Smith arranged to play the gig after visiting Haworth, the West Yorkshire home town of the Bronte sisters, of whom she is a fan.

Trades Club barman David Morcombe said it was a "bit of a coup" for the club.

Residents and businesses were affected when sudden downpours overwhelmed drainage systems in Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd on 22 June and 9 July.

Mr Morcombe said about damage which would cost about £3,000 to repair was caused to the Trades Club when the cellar flooded.

He said it was understood Smith decided to donate the proceeds of ticket sales to the flood relief fund after hearing about the damage suffered by the town.

He said: "She's playing to 190 people. We understand she hasn't played a gig as small as that for years.

"It's brilliant news and great that she is supporting us. The tickets were snapped up and sold out within 90 minutes."

Mr Morcombe said some businesses in the town were still shut because of flood damage.

"Compared to a lot of place, the Trades Club was hardly affected.

"Several pubs, hotels and shops are still shut and some may not open again."