The Committee of ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ has handed over a cheque for £53,500 to the Southwest branch of the Stroke Association.

The money was raised for its inaugural carol service which took place in December last year at Marlborough College Chapel.

More than 600 people attended the service of popular carols and festive readings from celebrity guests including Strictly Come Dancing star Viscountess Emma Weymouth and radio and television broadcaster Chris Tarrant.

The evening was sponsored by Cazenove Capital.

Amy Spencer, Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association said:

“We are immensely grateful to ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ for all their hard work and for raising such an amazing amount. Outside of London ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ has raised the most money for any single fund raising event. The money raised will be used to rebuild lives after strokes in Wiltshire and is particularly pertinent as we put in place extra care for stroke sufferers at this time.”

Rachel Inglefield, chair of ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ said:

“ We were stunned when we realised how much the event had raised, a heart warming example of how generous spirited people are."