A CHOIR that performs in Victorian dress has hit its target of raising £1,000 for charity.

The Harp Singers, of Wensleydale, sang carols in a dozen places in the three-week lead-up to Christmas to raise the money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

They performed in places as diverse as Kiplin Hall and the Wensleydale Railway on their way to raising £1,036.

Singers' chairman Ray Marriott said: "The most successful event was our own Carols by Candlelight which we organised ourselves at the Bolt-on Arms, in Leyburn, with the help of licensee Rachel Lambie.

"It was packed for the second year running and raised nearly half the total.

"But we also had generous donations from the Thornborough Masonic Lodge, Leyburn, Bedale Probus Club, the Melbecks Society, Low Row, Bedale Carol Singers, led by June Lancaster, and two old people's homes, as well as individual contributions at sessions in Wensleydale.

"We want to thank all the people who helped in any way."

Published: 29/12/2004