Skipton's Rock Up and Sing choirs is gearing up for it's festive season of concerts and services.

The choir was founded by professional singer Rhiannon Gayle in 2009, and since then, it has raised more than £30,000 for charity.

The group has grown to include six different ensembles offering a wide range of performances, from intimate weddings to huge concerts.

The festive programme kicks off at Christ Church, Skipton, on Sunday December 11 at 7pm. The adults will be joined by the Youth Choir to sing their usual range of rock, pop and soul hits, as well as performing festive songs – and the audience will have a chance to join in too.

The adult choir members will take part in the Light Up A Life service at Holy Trinity Church for Martin House Children’s Hospice on December 7.

The choir’s festive season culminates with a spectacular concert at Ripon Cathedral with Ripon City Band on December 17.

Musical director Rhiannon Gayle said: “The festive season is always filled with music and it often reminds us of Christmas in years gone by.

“Although it is a time to celebrate and come together as a community, we know that many people find Christmas hard because they remember loved ones who are no longer here to join in the festivities. We have been working hard to find just the right pieces of music to suit all the different occasions we’ll be taking part in, and we’re pleased we can help everyone to mark Christmas in the way that feels right to them.”

Tickets for the youth choir concert are £10 each for adults (children under 16 go free with accompanying adult) and available by calling 01423 508500.

Details about the Light Up a Life services are available from Martin House Children’s Hospice (www.martinhouse.org.uk).

Having just returned from a trip to Budapest where they performed two concerts to huge crowds, members of Rock Up and Sing! are already looking forward to a series of events in 2017. A summer spectacular concert is planned for July, as part of a mini-tour of Yorkshire, while several charity events are also on the cards.

Rhiannon added: “We do a lot of fundraising activities for some fantastic charities during the year, and our members are always very generous – we’ve raised more than £30,000 since we started in 2009.

“Concerts and events are always a highlight of our year, but we have a lot of fun at the weekly rehearsals too.”

Rock Up and Sing! will have a few places available for new choir members in the new year, and lower voices are particularly invited to join the tenor and bass sections. Anyone interested in joining should email cath@rockupandsing.com to book a place on one of the taster sessions on January 9 and January 16.

To find out more about Rock Up and Sing! visit www.rockupandsing.com.