A SOUTHAMPTON community choir is making sure that everyone has a "Happy Tweetmas" this festive season.

The Living Lordswood Community Choir will be tweeting a message of hope on social media site Twitter, as it takes to the stage for its Rockin’ Robin concert.

Members will be hitting fundraising notes for two local causes: SCRATCH and Basics Bank - who help those who would otherwise face a bleak Christmas.

In the frontline war against poverty are SCRATCH ( Southampton City and Region Action to Combat Hardship) and the Basics Bank which through its food banks is providing a lifeline for cash strapped families this Christmas.

There is an even bigger demand as homelessness and rough sleeping figures soar.

The concert is at Oakwood Primary School, Sandpiper Road, Lordswood on December 9 between 6.30pm and 8pm. Instead of paying an entrance fee the audience is being asked to bring a can which can be donated to the food bank.

Choir organiser Peter Short said: “The aim of the choir is to bring joy, hope and a sense of belonging to the community as we create moments and memories through melody.

“Through our choice of music and the charities we are supporting we hope our Rockin Robin concert will tweet a message of hope this Christmas."

The 50 strong choir will be singing in a variety of styles with songs like Rockin’ Robin, We Need a Little Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Irish Christmas Blessing and Welcome to Our World.

And to get everyone in the festive mood there will also be a singalong.

The choir is conducted by 39 year-old Ian Williamson, from Lordswood, who added: “I was invited to conduct the choir over 5 years ago. When we started we had no idea what a success it would be.”

Living Lordswood community leaders are also mindful of how many people are struck by the January blues as the Yuletide glitter fades and the credit card bills hit doormats.

That is why they are launching a new course, Living Life to the Full, over eight sessions, starting on January 10.

It is tailor made to equip people with the tools they need to change their lives by feeling happier, having more energy, enjoying the moment, gaining confidence, sleeping better, getting out more, enjoying better relationships and helping others.

The course uses a tried and tested CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) approach which has been developed by Professor Chris Williams, a psychiatrist from Glasgow, and has been so successful that is has a growing international following.

It will be held in Lordswood Community Centre, Sandpiper Road, on Wednesday evenings between 7.30-9.00pm, starting on January 10. For more information visit www.livinglordswood.org.uk