singers have helped to bring festive good cheer to Russian youngsters suffering from Downs Syndrome.

North Yorkshire's Harp Singers raised more than £900 from carol singing and programmes of Christmas music.

And the cash will now be forwarded to the charity, Downside Up, which runs a day centre in Moscow and helps more than 300 Downs children.

Choir director Ralph Robinson said:"We are delighted with the total. "It's three times the sum we sent last year and it will be sent in by Henry Thompson, one of our singers and a Russian linguist, who has personal links with the people who run the charity.

"We are so grateful to people who contributed in any way."

Half the money came from two concerts - a Carols by Candlelight concert in Leyburn and an entertainment for Richmond Rotarians, who gave a £200 donation.

Most of the rest was collected at carolling sessions in Wensleydale, Leyburn and on the Wensleydale Railway.

The gruelling festive programme of a dozen performances in 18 days also marked the end of Mr. Robinson's time as conductor of the choir.

He founded it five years ago and now hands over to Roger Ohr, organist and choirmaster at St. Mary's Parish Church, Richmond.

"I want time to paint more water colours and, as a former journalist, to do some writing. But I hope still to sing with the choir," he said.