CHRISTMAS carol singers are preparing to herald our Guardian Angels appeal in York's annual community carol concert.

The concert - now in its 48th year - will be held on Sunday, November 27, at York Barbican Centre, from 2.30pm.

Participants will be able to sing to the sounds of several York bands, while raising money to be split between the Guardian Angels appeal and the Lord Mayor of York's charity.

Event organiser Graham Bradbury said he was delighted to support our appeal, which aims to raise £300,000 to fund a two-bedded paediatric high-dependency unit on York Hospital's children's ward.

He said: "Apart from Guardian Angels, the money will benefit the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York's Christmas Cheer Fund, which pays for pensioners' meals."

"So we're looking after both ends of the spectrum, the young and old."

Last year the carol concert took place in December at the University of York's Central Hall.

It is being held earlier this year to allow for the UK Snooker Championships, also at the Barbican Centre.

The money raised was split between two charities - York One World Linking Association and York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation.

The 2006 concert will feature Tadcaster Grammar School Band, Queen Margaret's School Junior Choir, Stamford Bridge Primary School Choir, Abbey Belles, Steel Expression, and soloist Steve Cassidy.

The musical director will be John Warburton, with the Reverend Andrew Foster, who is a full-time chaplain at York Hospital, as master of ceremonies.

Graham said: "I wouldn't like to say how much we've raised over the last 48 years, but it must be into the high thousands.

"It's the traditional start to the Christmas celebrations in York, and a great way to enjoy Christmas.

"It is a concert, not a service, and we will all join in and sing."

Tickets cost £5 and are available from the box office at the Grand Opera House, Monday to Saturday, between 10am and 6pm. Cash or cheque payment only.

City of York Council and Barbican operators Absolute Leisure have provided free car parking permits for the Kent Street and Barbican car parks and these can be collected if required when concert tickets are bought.

Updated: 12:44 Tuesday, October 25, 2005