Rossendale branch of Save the Children (SCF) ended the year in traditional style with a Christmas concert which raised over £470 for the charity.

The annual event was a joint performance organised on behalf of SCF by St Veronica’s Primary School choir and Rossendale Valley Sounds band and was held at St Veronica’s parish room in Helmshore.

Chairman of Rossendale branch of SCF, Christine Worrell, said: “This was a fantastic amount to raise for our last event of the year, and the money will be doubled by the government’s UK Aid scheme, which is even better. The choir had obviously put in a lot of effort and practice and the audience really appreciated it, and Rossendale Valley Sounds were as good as ever.”

The Rossendale branch of SCF will now be taking a short winter rest before starting fundraising events again in the spring.