A WEST Devon duo raised significant funds for a national heart charity with a 24-hour music marathon.

Paul Gill, 47, had a quadruple heart bypass in November 2010 and exactly one year to the day of his life-saving procedure, he hosted a non-stop music session with his close friend Ivor Lander.

The musical maestros raised more than £3,000 for the British Heart Foundation, playing live music for 24 hours at?Bere Alston United Church. They were joined by other members of their own band, Jonathon Salt and Nigel Facey, as well as musicians from Bere Alston African drum group.

Paul said: 'November 10 this year held a lot of significance for me because it was exactly one year to the date that I underwent a life-saving heart operation. I wouldn't have been able to take on this challenge unless I had made the recovery that I have — that's why it was important I did this for the BHF.

'I would like to say a massive thank you to all those who took part and who came to support us on the evening — we raised a fantastic amount for a fantastic charity. I am also hugely grateful to the staff and children at Hyde Park School, who raised a massive £600 towards the final fundraising total.'

It's not too late to sponsor Paul and Ivor via http://www.justgiving.com/paulgillbhf">www.justgiving.com/paulgillbhf