AN ANNUAL fundraiser has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The eighth Stars in their Eyes meets the X Factor was held at the Buffs Club, Barmouth, on Saturday, and raised £2,350 for mental health charity MIND.

The first thousand pounds was match-funded by Barclays for the fifth year running.

The evening attracted an enthusiastic audience of over 170 eager spectators.

The event has now raised almost £15,000 since its inauguration in 2011. Charities supported in the past have included Sarcoma UK, SCUBU, Brain Tumour UK, McDonald House Liverpool, British Heart Foundation, Mind, Barmouth First Responders and Barmouth FC. 

During those eight years, no less than 64 acts and 12 judges have taken part in the popular fundraising events.

Organiser Craig Papirnyk presented the evening, supported by judges Alun Taylor as Chubby Brown, Anthony Schorah as Gary Barlow and Gareth Catherwood as Louis Walsh.

A superb take on CeeLo Green won Tyrone Carr the evening’s major accolade with George Richards, performing as George Michael, coming in second place. Damian Williams as Elton John took third spot.

Also taking part during the evening were Neil Diamond, Madonna, The Beatles and S Club 7.

Mr Papirnyk said: “Once again it’s all credit to the people and businesses of Barmouth who year after year put their hands in their pockets to raise this amazing amount of money for charity."

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