ROTARIANs have sent out a rallying cry to Romsonians to join them at their annual carol service in the town’s Market Place on the Monday before Christmas.

Coordinator, Ben Taphouse, said: “We hope to get as many people along as possible. I think the record amount raised at the carols is around £1,000 and we want to top this.”

Carols at the service will include Away in a Manger, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. The Michelmersh Silver Band, St John’s Church Choir from Lockerley and Romsey Male Voice Choir will be taking part in the event, which will be conducted by Ray Trickey.

Leaders from various church denominations will also take part in the service which is expected to last about an hour and if the weather is wet it will be held at the Abbey United Reformed Church.

Mr Taphouse said the money raised will go to Test Valley mayor, Janet Whiteley’s charity appeal and distributed to various deserving good causes.

Romsey Rotary Club has already handed over £5,475 to the borough mayor’s charity appeal. The cash was raised during a Rotary Golf Day.

Charities that have or will benefit from Rotary fund-raisers include Romsey Good Neighbours, Andover Life after Stroke Club and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Appeal.

Mayor Mrs Whiteley said she was grateful to the Rotary club and small charities, as well as larger and better-known ones, would benefit from the money raised by her appeal.

The event, on Monday December 23, begins at at 7pm.