More than £1,200 was raised for Malvern Hills Foodbank thanks to a choir bringing the spirit of the festive season to the community.

Malvern Festival Chorus returned to Great Malvern Priory for the first time in three years for their traditional post-Christmas ‘Carols for All’ event to raise the funds.

This added to money previously raised from carol-singing at the Great Malvern Farmers’ Market.

Peter Buchanan, Malvern Hills Foodbank chairman, said: “We are all delighted that Malvern Festival Chorus has chosen to support our foodbank.

"To have collected well over £1000 is fantastic.

"Thank you to all involved either as part of the choir or by donating. As we are all volunteers, we can keep overheads to a minimum and ensure that the money is used to help those in greatest need.

"In 2013 we helped just over 1,000 people in the Malvern area. In 2022 the corresponding figure was just over 5,200.

"Sadly, with the recent rise in the cost of living, we expect this figure to rise again in 2023.

"We are only able to continue to help the poorest in our community because the generosity of others has kept pace with the increase in demand.”

Malvern Festival Chorus chairman, Dr Kevin Ilsley, said: “It was wonderful to be back in Great Malvern Priory for our traditional charitable event and to be joined by so many people participating enthusiastically in all the congregational carols.

"We are so grateful for their generosity which enabled us to make this donation to Malvern Hills Foodbank.”

The choir is now busy rehearsing for its next concert, Songs of Britain, in Great Malvern Priory on Saturday, May 20. Visit the choir’s website www.malvernfestivalchorus.co.uk for further details.