Herriot Hospice Homecare and a village church are to benefit by nearly £700 each, thanks to a sell-out charity concert.

Dishforth Military Wives Choir raised the rafters with a rousing performance at All Saints Church in Thirkleby, which included the chance for the audience to sing along.

It was the latest in a series of events staged by the church’s fundraising committee, All Saints Together (AST). The group was established last year to help secure the future of the small rural church, which stands just off the A19 in Thirkleby.

Following the concert, committee member Gill Walmsley said: “When we set our charity up we made a conscious decision not to just appeal for money but to run a programme of events to show off our beautiful church and raise funds that way. So far so good! Feedback is really positive and the support from local people has been terrific.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Dishforth Military Wives Choir performing at All Saints, Thirkleby

“This time we decided to split the profits with another local cause that’s very close to our hearts, Herriot Hospice@The Lambert and we are thrilled to be able to present them with a cheque for £696.13! That’s what North Yorkshire is all about - communities and causes supporting each other."

Herriot Hospice Homecare supports people living with terminal illness and their families in their own homes and it aims to open the doors of the new hospice in autumn this year.

Herriot Hospice@The Lambert in Thirsk will feature inpatient beds, rooms for bereavement and emotional wellbeing support, and a community hub and café. It will also provide a permanent base for the charity’s existing HOME service.

The charity's chief executive Tony Collins said: “We are very grateful to All Saints Together and the Dishforth Military Wives Choir for their kindness in supporting us.

“This donation will bring us a step closer to our plans to open Herriot Hospice@The Lambert later this year. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Darlington and Stockton Times: Dishforth Military Wives Choir before the show

Katy Clark, Dishforth Military Wives Choir events lead, added: “It was a pleasure to be welcomed by All Saints Together and the Thirkleby church community for our first concert of 2023.

“It was a really enjoyable, relaxed concert and we love it when the audience participation is taken up so enthusiastically.

“We are closely connected to Herriot Hospice as two of our members work with them, so we were honoured to provide the entertainment and congratulate All Saints Together on a successful evening!”

The church's next event is Marske Fishermen’s choir on September 15.