HUNDREDS of festive fundraisers have attended an annual concert to raise money for charity.

The 17th annual St Teresa’s Hospice Christmas Cracker concert has taken place at The Dolphin Centre in Darlington.

The concert, led by musical director John Forsyth, included performances from the St Teresa Sinfonia Orchestra and Choir, comprising members of the Cleveland Philharmonic Choir, Cleveland Philharmonic Junior Choir, Cockerton Ladies Choir, Darlington Choral Society, Egglescliffe Senior Choir, Richardson Singers, Vocal Collective and the Vocal Soul Community Choir.

Raffle prizes were up for grabs with items including luxury hampers as well as a special prize for the best Christmas jumper.

Jane Bradshaw, St Teresa’s chief executive, said: “This wonderful concert heralds the start of the festivities and, once again, we have been treated to wonderful performances from all of our invited guests and the massed choir and orchestra, headed up so well by John Forsyth.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for their donations of time and talent at Christmas and to our wonderful audience for helping us to raise much-needed funds to continue our work.”