Red Row busker shows his pluck

But, not only has he managed to get through the gruelling week - in aid of Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal - but he was overwhelmed by the generosity of other buskers, who flocked to the Northumberland pubs and gave him the backing he needed.

Derek, 34, from Red Row, said: "It was an amazing feeling. It makes people cry and cuddle you, saying they can't believe you're doing this.

"It was great with the people that turned up, and some people realised what I was doing and got up and sang a song to help out."

Inevitably, there were some periods when no-one was around but, true to his word, Derek kept playing even though it was tough without the support. Even then, people who had read The Journal story popped in on their way home from work to drop a pound into his bucket.

And Derek made a special mention for his supporting wife Melanie and friend Gippa, real name Lee Gibson, who offered to play every minute alongside the big-hearted busker.

The Blue Bell Inn in Amble made a lot of effort, while drinkers in The Schooner Inn at Seahouses cheered Derek in, cheered throughout his gig and cheered him out.

His hard work paid off, as he surpassed his fundraising target with £810. His efforts are even more amazing given that he wrote an album before the gig, giving himself an hour's worth of songs.

He had only just learnt to play the guitar too, and could not play it sitting down - leaving his back and fingers in agony after standing for four-hour stretches while playing. But Derek said: "I'm Derek Clapton now! I feel I want to do more.

"My fingers don't move very well and the ends are split, but I feel like I've raised £810 and want to raise £8,000.

"I'm planning the next one. It's going to be 10 hours for 10 days."