A COMMUNITY choir in Appleby helped to raise more than £1,000 in one evening to re-establish extra care housing for older people in the town.

Middle Eden Voices , along with Appleby Hub Cafe, provided a night of entertainment to raise funds for Project Edenside.

The Oaklea Trust, who also run the Appleby Hub community building and cafe in the centre of the town, took over the ownership from Cumbria County Council of the former Edenside Residential Care Home in Appleby.

Edenside has been closed since it was flooded during Storm Desmond in December 2015. Now the Trust is aiming to raise £250,000 to provide the new care facilities, which will include supported living and end of life care.

Leader of Middle Eden Voices Choir, Barbara Gilbertson said: "It was a fabulous evening, and we were so pleased to be able to help raise funds for this very important project, which is close to the hearts of our choir, as we all live locally.

"It was amazing to sing at The Hub which was full to capacity. It was a great atmosphere and a great community event. I'd like to thank everyone who made the evening possible."

Chef, Patrizia Scarpa-Davies and her team at Oaklea Appleby Hub Cafe spent two days cooking and baking the menu for the sell-out event.

Oaklea Trust CEO Clive Wigley and Director Sue Green attended the evening of Food and Music.

Mr Wigley said: "It has been a true community event and the support shown highlights how important #ProjectEdenside is to the people of Appleby. We were blown away by the atmosphere, and we would like to thank everyone who took part and helped prepare for the evening, and all those who came along to enjoy the great food and entertainment."

Middle Eden Voice will be singing to raise funds for another local charity, Hospice at Home on Friday, July 5 in Dufton. 'An Evening of Music' will include special guest soloists and duets, a finger buffet and drink on arrival. For more information and tickets call Barbara Gilbertson on 07713 488565 or email bagilbertson@hotmail.co.uk.

Middle Eden Voices meet every Wednesday, 6pm during term time at Long Marton Primary School.