A ROCK band put on an impromptu gig in aid of a rape victim.

Middleton-based Chameleons offered to help after hearing horrific reports of the 19-year-old's ordeal behind the Mucky Duck Pub three weeks ago. The band, which recently reformed after 14 years, agreed to perform at a benefit night at the pub.

Word quickly spread across Middleton and Rochdale and the town centre pub was packed to capacity. John Dyson, from the Mucky Duck on Drake Street, said: "They were just going to perform a couple of numbers for us, but they did a gig and a half.

"They brought the house down for more than an hour and a half. It was amazing. It is just the kind of support this poor girl needs now and she was elated about it."

John and workers at the pub organised a benefit night to raise money to send the teenager on holiday to help her recover from her horrendous injuries.

When he heard, Chameleons lead singer Mark Burgess wanted the band, who were rehearsing and recording at their nearby studio, to be part of it. An announcement went out on the Internet hours before and, through mobile phones, pub-goers in Rochdale and Middleton got to hear about it.

The band's manager Simon Lawlor said: "They were affected by the news of this young girl's ordeal and their studio is near to the pub and they wanted to be involved. The atmosphere was incredible."

More than £1,000 has now been raised to help send the girl on holiday. A man of 24 has been charged with rape.

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