THE Skipton Choir raised more than £1,400 for charity at its inaugural concert at Christ Church, Skipton.

The 80-strong group, formerly known as Rock Up and Sing (Skipton), presented its first showcase event as a newly reformed choir under the musical directorship of David Weale.

The Night of Music for Martin House was in aid of the Boston Spa hospice which provides care for children and young people across West, North and East Yorkshire.

More than 150 people attended the event which featured a range of well-known rock and pop anthems as well as more thoughtful modern choral work.

Choir chairman Carol Squire said: “It was a hugely successful evening – not only raising funds for a great cause but also in terms of the performance by the choir which was enthusiastically received by a full house audience. It was a thoroughly enjoyable night for everyone involved and, for the choir and our musical director, the culmination of months of hard work.”

Choir member Roma Turner – who, with husband Guy – is a Skipton community ambassador for Martin House and hosted the concert, said: “Music is very important at Martin House where our music therapists are always on hand to bring music and joy to our families.

"The Skipton Choir certainly brought that same joy in their concert and raising this amazing amount of money will make a real difference to the lives of the children and young people there. We are pleased that so many people turned up to support us, so to everyone who made the night so special, we say thank you!”

Other appearances by the choir in December include the Light Up a Life with Martin House service at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton on Thursday December 5; a carol concert at St Joseph’s Community Centre, Barnoldswick, on Saturday December 7 in aid of the RNLI (£5 entry); and Lights of Love at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton on Wednesday December 11 for the Sue Ryder Manorlands hospice.