MUSICIANS in Dorset have banded together for a fundraising extravaganza to ease the suffering of flood survivors.

Dozens of groups have signed up to the Weysia: Weymouth Bands for Asia project to offer their musical talents free of charge.

They are to provide a day of music at Weymouth Pavilion on Sunday, January 23.

A customised Fender Squier guitar formerly owned by Robbie McIntosh from rock group The Pretenders is to be raffled at the event.

Pete Smith, landlord of the Park Hotel in Weymouth, has donated the collectors' item, which was played by Robbie while on a world tour with The Pretenders.

The rare instrument will be on show beforehand at the shop Rock and Pop Music in Great George Street, Weymouth.

The first session of music on January 23 starts in the Pavilion's Ocean Room featuring The Crack, Doctor Blues, Speedway Snails, Steve Wilson and the Innocent Bystanders, the Muddy Funksters and Gothic Chicken.

Also playing will be the Steamer Ducks, fronted by guitarist Robbie McIntosh, and Ian Sedwell and Tia are to play during changeover sets. The second session in the Ocean Room beginning at 7.30pm will include Satan's Coconuts, False Pretences, New Breed, What Would Scooby Do? and The Daze.

Meanwhile, the Pavilion theatre is to host music from Thriller Queen, the Vending Machine Repair Men, Lo Numbers, Splinter, Pond Life and the Jess Upton Soul Band from 7.30pm.

Ken Watkins will play during changeovers.

There will also be a raffle at the event and music equipment including a vintage snare drum from America is to be auctioned.

Organisers have priced tickets at £10 per session but welcome any further donations.

Earlier in the afternoon young entertainers will be starring in the Pavilion theatre from 2pm.

There will be performances from WOW Youth Musical Theatre, Weymouth College's music school, Budmouth Technology College's music department, Wey Valley School, Quay Theatre Arts and the Footlights Theatre Group. Admission costs £10 for adults and £5 for children.

Organisers are advising people to book tickets in case of a sell-out but tickets for all sessions are available from Weymouth Pavilion box office on 01305 783225.

All profits will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee, an umbrella organisation of relief charities working in Asia. Contact Chris Lonergan on 01305 772944 for more information.