HELSTON Methodist Church was full for "probably the best ever" community carol singing evening organised by the town's Rotary Club in the run-up to Christmas.

The traditional evening featured plenty of enthusiastic carolling, as well as music from eight members of Helston Town Band. Joan Williams was the conductor and Nigel Dower played the organ.

Now in its fourth year, the event has always proved a popular festive fixture and has also raised hundreds of pounds for children's charities over the years.

Organiser Baden Christophers, from the Rotary Club, said the 2003 event had been a great success.

"I think it was probably our best ever," he said. "The hall was full and the singing sounded lovely. It was a brilliant evening."

Around £870 was raised, which will be used to support a children's cause or an individual child in the Helston area.

Mr Christophers thanked the band members, Mrs Williams and Mr Dower, as well as Helston's Methodist minister, the Rev Andrew Hill, and the sponsors for the event, Kitchen and Brown, Christophers estate agents and Brewers Business Solutions.