BANDSMEN, accompanied by a vocal group, hit the high notes at a charity Christmas concert.

A 300-strong audience was entertained to a range of lighter music and festive songs provided by Durham Police Band and Male Voice Choir.

Saturday's concert yielded more than £1,500 for this year's chosen charity, the Great North Air Ambulance, at a time when the service aims to bring a third aircraft into use, to give full air ambulance coverage to the North-East and Cumbria.

The dontation takes the band and choir's total support to £4,500 for the air ambulance appeal since 2003.

Following the concert, the band and choir joined forces to lead the singing at the force's annual carol service, held at St Cuthbert's Church, in Durham.

The band and choir are seeking new blood to bolster their numbers for next year's performing season. They are both open to members not from a police background.

Anyone interested in joining either group, should contact the respective secretaries. In the band's case, it is John Morrison, who can be contacted at the force headquarters, at Aykley Heads, Durham, or on 01833-631844.

The choir secretary is Stephen Taylor, of the operational support department, also at Aykley Heads, on 0191-375-2991.