A GROUP of carol singers who have celebrated over eight decades performing for good causes in Poppleton is saying goodbye to its organiser.

Poppleton Carol Service first got together in 1925, singing door-to-door over Christmas time to raise money for local charities, back when donations totalled £9 16 shillings and nine pence.

The service tours pubs, restaurants and door-to-door over a three-day period in December and now annually raises around £1,500 for 12 local charities.

Today, some 40 people of Poppleton continue the village's tradition, singing Away In A Manger, While Shepard's Watch Their Flocks and O Little Town Of Bethlehem.

Hundreds of carol singers have passed through the group, including current organiser, Brian Park.

Brian has been singing with the group for 40 years and organising the service for 30 years.

Last month was Brian's final Christmas with the group before handing over the reins.

He said: "Poppleton Carol Service has been running for 82 years, raising money for well-deserving local charities. Every year it takes a lot to organise the different groups of singers and collectors and we have sung in wind, rain and snow, but it is always enjoyable and we always finish every year with a celebration of mince pies and mulled wine.

"I am sad to say this Christmas is my last, but I hope this village tradition continues for many more years.

"I think it an important piece of the history in the town."

Brian said the continuing success of Poppleton Carol Service is reflected on the kindness of local residents.

"The generosity every year of the local community is overwhelming and continues to surprise me," he said.

"We raised an impressive figure this year again and we hope residents will continue their generosity for years to come."

The total raised last month was £1,405, which will be shared between The National Children's Home, York Against Cancer, The Children's Society, York Candlelighters' Trust, Goodricke Appeal for Deaf Children, St Leonard's Hospice, York Against Motor Neurone Disease, The Alzheimer's Society's York branch, The Samaritans' York branch, York Nightstop, York Carecent and The Wilberforce Trust.