Southend's popular Concert in the Park extravaganza will continue, despite the vandals who ran riot at this year's event.

The future of the show, held in Priory Park at the end of each June, was thrown into doubt after the yobs' spree of theft and destruction.

However, when the organisers, members of the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill, realised they had made more than £30,000 profit for charity, they vowed to carry on.

Carl Watson, publicity officer for the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill, said: "We are pleased to confirm that the event will go ahead in June 2003."

The concert is a summer highlight and this year featured the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Kids Choir 2000 and guest soprano Helen Lyons.

Published Monday August 12, 2002

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