An estimated 500 guests gathered at Cheltenham's Christ Church for an uplifting evening of festive music - raising thousands of pounds for a much-loved charity.

The annual event - a partnership between law firm Willans LLP and Maggies - was staged on Thursday, December 19, and raised an estimated £8,500 for the charity, which supports anyone affected by cancer.

Performances from choirs the Severn's Eight, the Cotswold Male Voice Choir and Maggie's Choir, a seasonal medley from the Flowers Brass Band and a selection of readings, provided the perfect soundtrack to the run in to Christmas.

Donations, ticket sales, a raffle and the generosity of all who attended covered-off the fund raising.

Wayne Russell, centre fundraising organiser at Maggie's Cheltenham, said: "Maggie's is entirely funded by donations and kind gifts. The support we've had from Willans, will help us keep open doors to people with cancer and their families and friends. As a partnership, They've made a real difference."

Felicity McClintock, head of marketing and business development at Willans, said: "Not only was this an incredibly enjoyable evening of entertainment, we're all delighted with the amount raised for Maggie's to help them to carry out their vital work.

"Among those we'd like to thank for their support are the performers, organist, Christ Church for hosting us, the volunteers who worked so hard, Barclays, the businesses who kindly donated raffle prizes and mince pies, and of course the guests who attended on the night."

Also taking centre stage at the historic church on Malvern Road was Dave Clarke, who shared his experience of visiting Maggie's centre, and oncology speciality doctor Duncan Stow who gave a moving speech on how the charity helps those in times of need.

Lawyers at Willans, Jenny Hawrot, Sian Ford and Nigel Whittaker shared festive poems and readings and the firm's employment law partner, Matthew Clayton, sang as part of Severn's Eight.

The concert was attended by clients, friends and supporters of both organisations, with guests enjoying mulled cider and mince pies after the service.

Through a network of 25 centres based in the grounds of cancer hospitals in the UK and overseas, Maggie's provides practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer, their families and friends.

Willans employs an estimated 80 staff and has dedicated its year to undertaking a variety of fundraising activities, including taking part in the Miles for Maggie's initiative, donating lawyers' time to Maggie's Will Week, baking competitions, and the Christmas raffle.