It was standing-room only at a concert in Wolvesey, the home of the bishop of Winchester, to support Child Health International.

Winchester Young Voices, conducted by Anne George, sang Christmas and gospel songs, followed by songs from Africa.

The Motley Company played, on recorder, music by Berlioz, Palestrina and Bach.

Later, Child Health International trustee, Marcus Haw, a surgeon at Southampton General Hospital, spoke of the difference his work and that of the CHI had made to children suffering from chronic illness.

CHI, based in The Broadway, Winchester, brings aid and know-how to children in the former Soviet Union and facilitates visits by doctors and nurses to hospitals in England.