AN outdoor concert for hospices has raised more than £25,000 at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.

Voices for Hospices Choir and the VfH Sinfonia performed at the arboretum on September 2.

The audience for the concert was estimated at around 1,000 people.

The hospices receiving a share of the proceeds will be: Countess of Brecknock (Andover), Mountbatten Hampshire (West End), Mountbatten Isle of Wight, Naomi House and Jacksplace (Sutton Scotney), Oakhaven (Lymington), St Michael’s (Basingstoke), and Winchester Hospice.

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In a letter to supporters, the conductor, John Sutton, and his wife Jenny, said: "It is difficult to find the words to describe how happy, grateful and proud we are for everyone’s contribution on Saturday.

"The singing was magnificent. Everyone watched (nobody has yet asked John if he was there!) The really beautiful melodies, of which there are many, came across wonderfully, and all in tune!  The screaming was terrifying and heartfelt.  A real cry of defiance against war and injustice.

"Our soloists were their usual wonderful selves - long since a part of the VfH Choir family. Our amazing VfH sinfonia, all virtuoso instrumentalists in their own right, accompanied us brilliantly."