Ringing the bell for charity

Members of the village community amassed £370 for charity at festive gatherings over the Christmas period, with their previous best being £350 in 2009.

A traditional Christmas music evening at the Leek Wootton Sports Club on Friday December 23 featured the Leek Wootton hand bell ringers, followed by the annual Christmas Eve sing-along at the Anchor Inn.

Carol singing was led by musicians Graham Stevens and Derek Cooknell, with staff, members and clientele all joining together at both venues to help raise the funds.

Mr Cooknell said: “It was a brilliant record breaking year and it was especially nice to see so many young people getting involved.”

Musical director Graham Stevens added: “The singing of the Twelve Days of Christmas was again the highlight which deserved my award of top score - ten out of ten.”

Community fundraiser for Myton Hospice Anita Burrows said: “We are most grateful for this continued support. The appeal at present is to raise £30,000 to fund an additional nurse which would considerably enhance our operation. We rely on voluntary donations from the community not only for this but for the £6 million needed annually to run our three hospices.”