CHRISTMAS got off to a great start for the 300-strong audience at Ealing Choral Society’s carol concert on Saturday at St Barnabas Church, Pitshanger Lane.

The event raised £5,500 in aid of Save the Children, to support the charity’s work in the UK and overseas.

In the presence of Cllr Tej Ram Bagha, Mayor of Ealing, the choir, conducted by Jonathan Williams, performed a variety of seasonal pieces.

BBC broadcaster John Sergeant, Christopher Wickenden, of Haven Funeral Services (sponsor of the concert programme), Cleveland Ward councillor Lynne Murray and Shane Beadle, the society’s chairman, were among those giving seasonal readings.

Clayton Ricketts, regional fund-raising manager for Save the Children, said "My sincere thanks to Ealing Choral Society for a wonderful evening of very moving music and festive cheer, and for choosing Save The Children as their charity this year.

“We were also pleased to have a great team of volunteer students from the University of West London who acted as stewards and served mince pies and wine after the concert."

Money raised will go towards a variety of projects at home and abroad.

In Ealing, Save the Children volunteers support pupils with their reading in schools and run a programme bringing together families, schools and the community to create opportunities for learning and development at home.

Shane Beadle, chairman of Ealing Choral Society, said “It was a fabulous evening and our thanks go to the many people who came along to support us.”