SIXTY members of the Malvern Festival Chorus will sing at a fundraising Christmas carol concert at Great Malvern Priory.

The event, which has been running annually for nearly 20 years, will raise money for the British Heart Foundation; the choir's nominated charity for 2002.

Everybody is welcome to attend on Friday, December 27, at 3pm and the entrance fee is £1.50.

The concert will include a mixture of carols for the whole congregation and performances and readings by members of the chorus.

Rosemary Williams will read an extract from Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee and Martin Purser will perform The Ballard of the Breadman by Charles Causely.

Carols which the choir will sing include Christmas Day, a compilation of well known carols written by Gustav Holst, Tryste Noel by R R Terry and The Virgin Mary and her baby Jesus, a carol from the West Indies. They will be accompanied by organist Ron Ward.

Carol Green will perform a flute solo at the concert. Better known in Malvern as a conductor and choir trainer, she is also an accomplished flautist.

Chorus member Carole Davies said she was excited about conducting the choir for the Priory performance.

"It's a lovely way for people to enjoy some quiet and reflective time after the hustle and bustle of Christmas as well as having a jolly good sing," she said.

Festival Chorus Business Manager Sue McClelland said: "We usually pack out the Priory, so people should arrive early to get seats."