A benefit concert for a Keighley folk icon fighting cancer has been hailed a great success.

Fellow musicians and friends of Maggie Boyle, pictured, packed the New Variety Club for the show last Thursday.

They raised hundreds of pounds to help replace income that Maggie is losing because she cannot currently perform.

The centrepiece was the Magical Christmas Tree – an annual concert that Maggie usually appears in – along with performances by other local musicians.

Maggie, who is well-known on the national folk music scene, was present for part of the concert.

Organiser Carol Wood said the atmosphere was very heartwarming because of the way people felt about Maggie. Mrs Wood said: “There was a lot of love coming out of that place. Maggie is just so lovely. People came to pay the entrance fee and also gave us cheques.”

Maggie, who lives in Ingrow, is currently recovering from hospital treatment for bowel cancer.

She plans to return to live performances early in the New Year, including a tour with Keighley female harmony trio Grace Notes.