TEN CHOIRS and their families and friends joined together in beautiful harmony to sing and raise money for two inspirational charities.

The second annual Stroud Big Sing saw more than 200 people gather at the Stroud Congregational Church on the evening of Saturday November 21.

Generous organisers, choir-leaders and singers raised an amazing £2,304 on the night.

The song sheet was an eclectic mix of contemporary, folk, African and songs of peace, all sung to raise much needed funds to be split evenly between GARAS and Five Valleys Talking Newspaper for the Blind.

GARAS is a Gloucester-based organisation that provides aid and support for refugees and asylum seekers coming to the UK.

Money raised will help the charity welcome the county’s first refuges from Syria later this month.

Five Valley Sounds is a fantastic charity which makes weekly recordings of news and events from the SNJ on CDs, for people unable to read standard print.

“The choir-leaders would like to whole-heartedly thank all those who took part in this glorious community event,” said organiser Eleanor Holliday.

“From harmony rises hope.”