Thirty-one local pianists of all ages took part in a 24-hour pianothon to support victims of the sex trade in India.

Pianists gathered at Caroline Maxwell-Gale’s music studio garden at Little Green Lane in Farnham on Friday, April 5 to begin the non-stop playing at 9pm.

Caroline organised the event to raise money for an Indian charity called Snehalaya which rescues and rehabilitates victims of the commercial sex industry.

This includes providing shelter for them and their children, as well as medical and surgical care, education for children and an adoption centre. 

Prior to the event, Caroline said: “It is going to be quite a challenge!

“As a 63-year-old who struggles to stay awake to the end of a film, I'm going to have to play for six or seven hours through the night without stopping.

“The pianists range from beginners to professionals. 

“Several of those taking part are very nervous, but keen to contribute to this worthy cause.”

The ‘Pianothon’ was streamed live on YouTube and ended exactly at 9pm the following day on Saturday, April 6.

The oldest piano player was 86 years old while the youngest was just seven.

Caroline will also be volunteering at the charity for a month this summer.

More than £2,000 of the £4,000 target has been raised so far and Caroline is looking for more people to get involved.

For more information about Snehalaya, go to https://www.snehalaya.org/