A CHRISTMAS album has been released by North East duo, Maria and James, to raise funds for two Darlington charities.

Collated during the winter months of 2021, the aim of the album is to raise money for two Darlington charities; St. Teresa’s Hospice and Darlington Mind.

The festive album, Season's Greetings, isn’t the first musical endeavour for the pair.

In 2020, Maria and James collaborated with Steely Dan drummer, Keith Carlock, on their song, Alice.

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The duo has chosen a number of well-known Christmas classics and put their own twist on the songs.

James, who has volunteered as a member of St. Teresa’s Hospice Choir for the last six years said: “We are always looking to record, and to have a reason to record.

“When the idea of a Christmas album came to us, we thought it would be a nice plan to sell the album with all the proceeds going to the selected charities.”

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Maria said: “We have a fantastic relationship with the current Mayor of Darlington, and her selected charities for the Mayoral year are St. Teresa’s and Mind.

“With the support of the Mayor, we really think the album can reach a large audience and raise some significant funding for the charities.”

James said: “We are hoping to perform two nights-worth of live music with ticket prices going towards our fundraising goal.”

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Maria said: “We’re planning to perform in our hometowns of Darlington and Shipton by Beningbrough during December.

“We are also getting the opportunity to perform at a charity event on December 19 organised by Viveca Bradshaw at The Forum in Darlington which is an event also aiming to raise money for the Mayor’s charities.”

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The album’s track listing includes; Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, Feliz Navidad featuring the St. Teresa’s Hospice Choir, Step into Christmas, Run Rudolph Run featuring St. Teresa’s Hospice volunteer Peter Bradshaw, and Last Christmas.

Season’s Greetings was officially released on December 1 2021.

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