A concert in memory of a Wallyford man who died suddenly at home at the age of 47 has raised more than £1,500 for Diabetes UK.

A Song for Spring, which was a tribute to the late Gordon Gray, was hailed “a terrific success” by Ciaran Walker, organist and director of music at St Michael’s Church, Inveresk, who organised the event.

Local young musicians gathered at the kirk to entertain an audience of well over 100 people, who enjoyed an evening of varied music.

Ciaran, 20, a friend of Gordon’s son Matthew, said: “The audience were piped in at the gate of the church by Jordan Allan, of M&F Funeral Services (Jordan the Piper on Facebook), who kindly offered to do this.

“This set the tone for a brilliant evening ahead.

“Our beautiful church was buzzing with excitement, with around 30 different young people taking part overall.

“It was a real joy and privilege to direct the evening.”

Gordon, a keen Hibernian fan, passed away suddenly at home early last year, leaving “a hole in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him”.

He had type 1 diabetes from the age of 13 so, at the family’s request, all proceeds from the memorial concert went to Diabetes UK.

The young musicians performed a range of music, with everything from baroque pieces for flute and harpsichord to Chopin and Vaughan Williams.

Ciaran opened the event on the kirk’s famous Lewis pipe organ with a transcription of J. H. Roman’s piece Sinfonia de Chiesa.

During the interval, refreshments were served and a bake sale was held, which helped to raise further funds for the charity.

The concert raised £1,400 in Gordon’s memory and his son Matthew presented a cheque to Norma Fraser, representing Diabetes UK.

Additional donations came in after the event, taking the final total to £1,540.

Ciaran said: “I’d like to express my public and heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to such a wonderful evening but, most of all, to my wonderful church who, as always, have been a terrific support.”

Leanne Gray, Gordon’s wife, said: “It was a wonderful night.

“There was so much talent in one room.

“We, as a family, were totally overwhelmed by the amount raised for Diabetes UK – we couldn’t have asked for any better.

“Gordon would have absolutely loved it.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to Ciaran for all he has done.

“He’s part of our family now and we all love him dearly; and also to the wonderful musicians who gave their time to us. They were amazing.”

Some of the young musicians who performed in the charity concert will also be giving solo recitals as part of the St Michael’s at 3pm recital series.

These free Sunday afternoon recitals were started last year by Ciaran to give performance opportunities to local young musicians.

The recitals will be: singer Sebastian Schneeberger, of Edinburgh University, April 16; pianist Emmanouil Papadopolous, of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, April 30; organist Matt Edwards, of Bothwell Parish Church, May 7; singer Erin Wharton, of Edinburgh University, May 21; and pianist Peter Graham, of Edinburgh University, June 11.