PERFORMERS have raised more than £2,000 for charity with a Christmas concert in the heart of a Hampshire city.

Winchester Fusion Choir brought an eclectic mix of carols, festive music and traditional songs to the Discovery Centre, in Jewry Street, including a four-part rendition of Carol of the Bells.

Marie O'Brien choreographed and directed the evening, and Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eileen Berry, praised the group's “infectious enthusiasm”.

Kay Fernandes, a singer, said: “We raised so much money, we are absolutely delighted. It was brilliant for one evening's entertainment. There's still some money coming in.”

The choir also made snowflakes to decorate the stage, representing Home-Start's ethos that every child is unique.

As well as supporting Home-Start the money will also go to Winchester Youth Counselling Service and Southampton Intensive Care Paediatric Unit.

Ticket sales, a raffle, and a £500 donation from Lloyds Bank all contributed to the total.