HUNDREDS of people packed out a Chepstow bar to raise more than £500 for a fire-devastated school in the town.

ThornAid, on Friday, brought lovers of all kinds of music to the Smirnoff Bar, in aid of Thornwell Primary School which was gutted by fire in June.

The event was the idea of former pupil Matt Barnes, who wanted to help the school get back on its feet, and one of numerous organised to raise funds, after the local community rallied round.

The 17-year-old is also the lead guitarist of band The Scary Door, who joined It’s A Trap, Doom Child, Iridium, Riot Act and The Bandits to entertain the crowds.

Some of the school’s staff were in attendance at the venue, kindly given for free by Alison Beasley.

Jo Barnes, mum to Matt and Ollie, 13 who played with his band on the night, said she was delighted the event was well-received by people.

She said: “There was just a really buzzy atmosphere and I’m so pleased.

“It was good to have raised so much money.”

Last week the Argus reported how the local community had raised already £5,000 for Thornwell Primary, and the money from this event will help swell the total further.