ROCK against Racism, rocked and rolled to raise almost £5,000 for the Southall Defence Fund over the weekend.

The Rainbow Theatre in Finsbury Park was the scene of the first of two benefits concerts for the 342 people arrested during the riots.

Organised by the Rock Against Racism Movement, it featured two Southall bands, Misty and the Ruts.

Headlining were Pete Townshend and Friends. Townshend is lead guitarist with the Who. He and all the other musicians gave their services free of charge.

Chris Bolton, one of the organisers of the event and himself arrested during the riots, said: "Pete was very upset about what happened in April. And he felt sufficiently motivated to help us out."

Townshend's friends were Who drummer Kenny Jones and West Ealing bassist Tony Butler, John "Rabbit" Bundrick on keyboards and Peter Hope-Evans on harmonica.

It is estimated that fines for those people found guilty could total about £40,000.

The Southall Defence Committee says it may need up to £1,000,000 for legal costs, publicity and transport.

Mr Bolton said: "All the bands performed well and I'm very glad about the way things have worked out. We should have made £5,000 profit."