DURSLEY Male Voice Choir has been busy over the past two months, raising almost £10,000 for local, national and international charities.

February began with the successful concert to raise money for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Appeal when £6,300 was raised.

Three weeks later the choir travelled across the country to Leicestershire, to perform a concert at Loughborough Grammar School in support of Loughborough Beacon Rotary Club.

It is hoped that the event raised about £2,000 towards Rotary's centenary project to provide waiting room for parents whose children are receiving pallitive care at the local hospital.

Nearer to home in mid-March, the choir sang in St Saviour's Church, Coalpit Heath, where almost £1,000 was raised towards the target of £20,000 needed for roof repairs.

Concert organiser Clive Maine expressed his delight and gratitude on behalf of the church and asked the choir when it would be able to return for another concert.

Away from the concert platform 100 members and guests gathered at The Cotswold Edge Golf Club for their annual dinner dance on March 11. Chairman Brian Tocknell thanked choristers for their continuing hard work and support, but repeated his call for further efforts to attract new members.

Any man who thinks he would like to sample the choir will be welcome to go along to a rehearsal on any Wednesday (7.30pm) at the Dursley Methodist Chapel.