A CHOIR has raised more than £5k for a homeless charity following a Christmas event.

The St John Singers, a highly-regarded choral group based in Salisbury, handed Alabare the cheque after performing at St Thomas' Church on December 20.

The group, which will celebrate 50 years of existence next year, was established by John Powell who remains involved today.

Meeting weekly with more than 50 members, the choir always has a waiting list.

Salisbury Journal: The group started 49 years ago.The group started 49 years ago. (Image: St John Singers)

It holds three charity fund-raising events each year with the Magic of Christmas being the largest. St Johns Singers has raised more than £200k to date.

Last year's Christmas event was a celebration of local musicians, past and present, with traditional and contemporary music produced under the direction of musical director Steve Abbott and accompanist Ben Mills.

Barney Wainwright, treasurer of the St John Singers, said: “Most people in Salisbury are very fortunate, and this is, therefore, a great opportunity to give back to those who are less so, and as an ex-serviceman, Alabare is also very close to my heart.

"Their work is vital and sadly still very much needed today.”

The Spring Concert by the St John Singers will be held on March 9 at Methodist Church with the summer event on July 6 at St Thomas’s Church.