Local 2-Tone ska band, The Iconics, have been raising money for charity by by collecting donations at all their recent gigs.

Their actions are part of the Specialized Project, a music-based charity raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Iconics keyboard player Mike Busby, who lives in St Albans, said the band had been inspired by Specialized founder Paul Williams (Willo) who is a fan of the 2-Tone movement.

He commented: “We were very much inspired by Willo’s work in setting up the Specialized project and raising so much money for Teenage Cancer Trust. Being a 2-Tone band ourselves, it felt right to support a charity that combined ska music with raising money for such a worthwhile cause. Our fans have been absolutely terrific by putting their hands in their pockets to raise such a fantastic amount.”

Willo added: “The project was my idea to combine my love of The Specials and the 2-Tone movement with helping this fantastic charity. We have run two festival weekenders now, created two CDs of bands revamping 2-Tone tunes in their own particular style, and have also promoted a series of fundraising gigs up and down the country.

The Iconics, who play at The Blacksmiths Arms in St Albans, next Saturday, November 30, have raised £1,400 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.