Hundreds of people filled Winchester's Guildhall on Sunday to hear youngsters sing and play music in the annual carol concert.

John Steel and his wife Gill, the Mayoress, presided over the two-hour concert, which raised money for mayoral charities.

Music was provided by the Winchester Area Schools' Orchestra and Winchester Recorder Ensemble. Director was Carl Clausen and conductor, Carol Innes. Conductor was Glyn Evans.

Taking part were All Saints' Compton, Kings Worthy, Nethercliffe, Oliver's Battery, St Bede, St Faith's, Stanmore, Weeke and Western Primary schools, plus children from Winchester Young and Winchester Younger Voices.

The massed choir was directed by Anne George with assistant Kate Lynch and accompanist, Mike Saunders.

Among carols performed were God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Away in a Manger and The Coventry Carol. Prayers were led by the mayor's chaplain, the Revd Howard Sharp.

The mayor's charities are Age Concern, Winchester, The Gwen Bush Foundation and Hants and IoW Youth Options