by JOHNATHAN SCHRODER Hundreds of well-wishers attended a packed concert to raise cash for four children orphaned by a road accident in Winchmore Hill last month.

The concert for Wayne and Jackie Nicholls, who died when their motorbike was in collision with a car in Old Park Ridings, saw a host of 60s stars take to the stage at the Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar.

Former Shadows members John Leyton, Jet Harris and Bruce Welch made an appearance along with Mike Berry, tribute band Bungleflint and Tony Rivers.

The emotional night, which saw the Nicholls' children take to the stage at the end of the show, raised almost £10,000 through ticket sales and the auctioning of a valuable Burns-Marvin guitar.

Mr Nicholls had been the rhythm guitarist for popular 60s tribute band The Rapiers, who hit the big time in 2003 as the band took the roles of The Shadows in the West End hit, Cliff: The Musical.

His fellow band members, led by Colin Pryce-Jones, organised the benefit for the children aged 15, nine, six and three following their parents' death on June 18.

Rapiers' website manager Greg Ogarrio travelled to the event from his base in San Francisco.

He said: "What an emotional rollercoaster of smiles and tears.

"There were so many, many moments before, during and after the show that I became overwhelmed with emotion. I'm sorry the evening had to end."

One organiser, Janet Pryce-Jones, added: "It was a resounding, huge success. It was totally sold out."

To contribute to the childrens' trust fund visit www.rapiers.net or call the Independent on 8362 1432.