A SELL-OUT concert hosted by the Royal British Legion’s Ross branch raised more than £1,000 for a charity that supports the welfare of past and present servicemen and women.

Marches Military Wives Choir was joined by children from Ashfield Park, Gorsley Goffs and Good­rich Primary Schools at the Larruperz Centre.

Margaret Jones, branch secretary, said: “I would like to apologise to all who were unable to get tickets.

“Everyone knows the story of the choir – how it was started with a television series with Gareth Malone – I do not think even he expected what happened next. 

“The aim was to help wives and girlfriends of servicemen who were deployed in Afghanistan

to express themselves through song. It gave them an opportunity to make new friends, connect with local communities, learn new skills and generally have fun times within a supportive environment. 

“There are now more than 75 choirs and the Military Wives Choir Foundation founded in 2011 supports women in the British military community, and we are so lucky to have one here in Herefordshire. 

“The choir and the children, who were directed by Jenni Axtell, produced an evening to remember.”

It was the last official event for the outgoing mayor and mayoress, Cllr Colin Gray and his wife Anne. Mr Graham Aplin, the chairman, presented flowers and thanked them for their support during their two years of office.