THE Worcester Male Voice Choir ushered the Christmas spirit into Pershore with its annual concert at the town's Abbey.

Due to its popularity two concerts now take place, on both Friday and Saturday evening at the beginning of December, kicking of the town's festivities.

This year both evenings were extremely well attended and audiences were treated to a feast of music, not only from Worcester Male Voice Choir but also guests Shulah Oliver on the violin, Katie Sheldon playing the cello and Keith Hearnshaw on the organ.

Compering the concerts were Philip Serrell local auctioneer and TV personality and Dave Bradley BBC Hereford/Worcester presenter and president of the choir.

As tradition requires, the audience were able to participate in a selection of Christmas carols after the interval and raised the roof.

Geoff Ruddock, chairman of Worcester Male Voice Choir, said: "It was privilege to be singing again in the perfect acoustics of Pershore Abbey in the presence of the mayor, his wife and numerous other mayors and consorts from around the county.

"The choir is delighted to announce that a minimum of £2,500, has been raised for the Stroke Association and Guide Dogs for the Blind, which are the mayor of Pershore’s Charities."

Mayor councillor Tony Rowley added: "This superb concert performed in front of packed audiences in Pershore Abbey was a double delight for me. Not only were we all entertained so well by the choir in magnificent voice and the excellent soloists Shulah Oliver and Katie Sheldon, but my charities Guide Dogs and the Stroke Association also benefitted from the Worcester Male Voice Choir’s most generous donations for which I am extremely grateful."