CHRISTMAS spirit was alive and well as the North Cotswolds Rotary Club's annual concert raised thousands for good causes.

The club was delighted to welcome for the first time the Band of the Gloucestershire Constabulary to perform at its traditional pre-Christmas Charity Band Concert at The Cotswold School in Bourton.

The band, led by musical director Chris Lawn, entertained with a wide-ranging programme of music from classical favourites to military music, with a selection of seasonal Christmas festive melodies.

Dame Janet Trotter, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, drew the winning raffle tickets, with three people taking home a Christmas hamper and other prizes being won just in time for the festive season.

A total of £3,100 was raised for charities, including £500 for the band’s nominated charity, Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre in Cheltenham.

Handing over the cheque to Mr Lawn, club president Hugh Collins said: "The evening has been a great success and with the support of our generous sponsors and the audience here tonight we will be able to help several deserving causes in Gloucestershire."