Teenagers raise the roof at Redcar event in memory of Marske' Georgina Anderson

Talented teenagers performed self-penned songs at Redcar event to raise money in memory of Marske teenager Georgina Anderson

Talented teenagers performed their self-penned songs at a special event in Redcar to raise money in memory of one of their friends.

Last night was the 12th anniversary of the Can U? music night at Tuned In! on Majuba Road.

The evening of live music called Write On is the latest event to raise money in memory of brave Marske teenager Georgina Anderson.

We reported earlier this week how more than £40,000 has already been raised since the 15-year-old lost her battle with cancer in November.

The Bydales School pupil touched the hearts of people across the world after one of her videos went viral online and a song she wrote, Two Thirds of a Piece, hit the iTunes top 40 chart.

Georgina regularly used to attend the group, and proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Georgina’s dad Paul said: “They were absolutely brilliant when Georgina was diagnosed with cancer and arranged a special day for her to sing there, in the studio, which she thoroughly enjoyed. It turned out to be the last time she was able to sing.”

The teenagers, aged between 13 and 18, have been working with Allan Hyslop, a community musician at the University of Sunderland and the lead singer of the band Kosoti, and musicians from Sage Gateshead to write their own songs and perform them for the first time.

Jane Cuthbert, project leader of CanU?, said: “Georgina was a big part of our group and when she died we wanted to do something to remember her.”

Allan Hyslop, who has worked with the teenagers for the last 12 weeks, said: “It’s great to see the development and the creative spark in young people. It’s nice to see them all clicking and finding their own way.”

Belle Uemlianin, 14, who worked with Chloe Lance, 17, on two songs, said: “I like writing but this has made me think more about writing.”

Selin Gumus, 16, said: “I wrote Heartstrings for the show, I’ve been told it’s one of the best ones I’ve written. I love performing.”

Can U? was set up by Sage Gateshead in 2002 to provide opportunities for young people to make music. They run an open session on Mondays 6pm to 8pm at Tuned In!. The next one is April 28.