CHRISTMAS choirs sang to their heart's content at the Marlborough College Chapel and raised more than £5,000 to boot in aid of Hope and Hopes for Children.

Over 500 people flocked to the chapel on December 17 for the Pewsey Vale Support Group's annual Christmas carol concert in what was a hugely successful event.

The Great Bedwyn Millennium choir, the Pewsey Bluebells group and several solo performances delighted the packed crowd in the fifth edition of the event.

"This was by far the best one we have ever done, it was absolutely magical," said Liz Johnson, one of the four event organisers.

"The audience seemed to love every minute of it which makes all the efforts to organise it very worthwhile. We would like send our grateful thanks to everyone who contributed and came along to a wonderful concert to begin the Christmas festivities. The choirs were on top form and some of the solo's, for instance little Izzy Albery, were fantastic. If you were not feeling Christmassy before the concert, you definitely were after it.

"We are absolutely thrilled to raise so much for a great charity that is close to our hearts as Mark Cook started the charity and he was from Pewsey.

"It is not a household name but it is one we are very happy to support as it has done some fantastic work for over 20 years."

The charity work with children, their families and communities across eight countries in Europe and Africa to help them grow up in safe environments.