A VILLAGE group which forms each year to sing Christmas carols for charity has beaten its own fundraising record.

The Poppleton Carol Singers have been raising funds for more than 70 years with records going back to 1925, when they collected £9 16s 9d.

This year the group, which sang on December 16, 18 and 20 around the Poppleton area, raised a new record of £1,456.

Brian Park, who organised the choir, said it was an excellent result which was a great credit to all concerned and a tribute to the generosity of all those who contributed.

He gave special thanks to the refreshment teams who provided food and drink to the choir after each evening of singing.

The money will be divided 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 York branch of the Alzheimer's Society, the York branch of the Samaritans, York Nightstop and York Carecent.

Updated: 12:23 Friday, January 03, 2003