The Shaldon Singers presented a cheque for £530 to The Helen Foundation after nominating the charity to benefit from the retiring collection at their Christmas concert in St Peter’s, Shaldon.

Chair of The Helen Foundation, Roger Kirk, says: ‘It was such a lovely evening! Helen Foundation trustee Leon Winston gave a moving account after the interval on the work of the charity, including how he himself had benefited from financial support as a youngster learning music.

‘Former Exeter Cathedral organist Andrew Millington gave a masterly recital on the renowned St Peter’s Church organ, literally pulling out all the stops! With a wide variety of music on display, sung by an enthusiastic choir under the skilfully wielded baton of their Musical Director, Tim Crompton, the audience left in a very upbeat and Christmassy mood.’

The total comprised £480 donated by generous audience members and £50 from the Shaldon Bellringers, who generously donated their £50 fee for setting up the staging.

‘Thank you once again Shaldon Singers, Bellringers and kind donors!’