THE mother of tragic singer-songwriter Phil Lynott dropped in on the region for the weekend - and had a rockin' good time.

Philomena Lynott journeyed to Richmond from her Dublin home to attend a tribute concert to her son, the front-man of legendary band Thin Lizzy, who died 21 years ago.

And her verdict on the show by Irish rockers Glider was one of complete approval: "It was fantastic. Everybody was up and dancing. All I can say is that Richmond rocked."

Mrs Lynott, 76, was the special guest of Thin Lizzy fans John Russell and Keith Barker who both live in Richmond and organised the concert at Richmondshire Cricket Club.

The event was a complete sell-out with more than 200 tickets sold. "If we'd had space we'd have been able to sell twice that many," said John.

While visiting the town Mrs Lynott was also taken to the local golf club, where a plaque has been erected dedicating the eight hole to her son.

"It was very cold - but it was lovely to see my son remembered in such a way," she said.

Phil Lynott was just 36 when he died in January 1987, 11 days after collapsing from a Christmas Day drink and drugs binge.

His mother now promotes anti-drugs work and John and Keith met her two years ago when they visited Dublin for the unveiling of a statue of their music hero.

The tribute concert was held in aid of drugs charities and was such a success that it is now expected to become an annual event.