A charity Christmas Concert by the Essex Police Choir and the Cavener Singers held at The Moot Hall in Colchester on Tuesday night raised £1370 for the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund.

The fund, which is a registered charity is Chaired by Alresford resident Linda Belgrove who is a Parish Councillor and former member of Essex Police Authority.

The Concert was attended by an appreciative audience of 150 including dignitaries such as the Lord Leiutenant of Essex, The High Sheriff, The Bishop of Colchester and the Mayor.

The Leader of Tendring District Council and Chief Constable Stephen Cavanagh enjoyed front row seats for the concert which concluded with a number of Carols being heartily sung by the audience.

Lady Rosemary Ruggles-Brice , patron of the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund and Linda Belgrove gave short speeches on the work of the fund and then two stars were introduced, retired police dog Gus and retired police dog Reg.

Both these dogs sat next to their owners for the duration of the concert – volunteers provided suitable bowls of drinking water on the floor next to them.

A raffle held in the interval produced four prize winners who received Christmas hampers containing produce donated by Waitrose and Morrisons.

It was commented by many in attendance that the fine setting of the Moot Hall and the excellent acoustics for the choral works really made this an evening to remember.