TOP names from the music world, including Manchester's own Mick Hucknall, united last night to help the people of Sudan.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees staged a concert at London's Royal Albert Hall to raise money to ease the suffering in Darfur, where 1.8 million people have been displaced.

The Simply Red frontman was joined by Mercury Prize winners Franz Ferdinand, Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde, and Grammy Award nominee Alison Moyet in taking part.

Most of the artists performed the music of Cole Porter in their own style, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

A spokeswoman for the event said David Gray had not been able to take part because of laryngitis.

Franz Ferdinand, one of Britain's biggest new bands, performed via video link from Mexico City. The Glaswegian band have also donated money to the cause.

Funds have been raised through ticket sales for the concert and online donations. The event will also be released on CD and DVD. Tweet