A GROUP of singers who perform in Victorian dress are planning a busy Christmas raising money for charity.

During December, the Harp Singers will visit nearly a dozen places, giving three recitals and performing at eight places in Wensleydale.

The Christmas programme begins on December 6 with a recital at Kiplin Hall - now sold out - and another on December 16, at Richmond Parish Church, from 7.30pm.

New this year is an evening of Carols by Candlelight in the upper room at the Bolton Arms, Leyburn, on December 17, with mulled wine and mince pies, courtesy of licensee Rachel Lumbie.

The singers will give a varied programme of Christmas music together with readings and carols for the audience to join in with.

The evening is in aid of Downside Up, an Anglo-Russian charity that runs a day centre for about 200 Down's syndrome children in Mos-cow.

"In Russia, most Down's syndrome babies are put away in institutions and 50 per cent of them die before their first birthday," said a spokesman.

"We raised £300 for the charity last year and this year we are hoping to beat that total."

Tickets, costing £5, are available from the Bolton Arms, or by contacting (01677) 422879 or (01969) 663738.

The singers will also tour Wensleydale singing carols as follows: December 11, Redmire village green, 6.30pm; December 14, The Crown, Askrigg, noon; Coppice Cafe, National Park Centre, Aysgarth, 1pm; High Hall Old People's Home, Bainbridge, 2.30pm; December 20, Hawes Creamery 12.30pm; Brentwood Old People's Home , Leyburn, 2pm; Leathley's Quality Fayre supermarket, Ley- burn, 3pm; December 24, Wensleydale Railway, Leeming Bar Station, 10am to noon.

For further information, call (01677) 422879.