St Mary Magdalene Choir Launceston has raised almost £500 for The Salvation Army’s work for the homeless by singing in the square this Christmas.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the choir was only able to sing two live services at St Mary’s this Christmas, for the Advent carol service on December 13 and eight singers for the midnight service on Christmas Eve, so choristers took to the street instead.

Despite a washout on the evening of December 18, a section of the choir sang for late night shopping on December 11 and another section on Saturday mornings, December 12 and 19.

The Salvation Army provided collectors for their work with the homeless, particularly their hostel in Plymouth, and reported that £480.34 had been collected in total.

The choir had to record its Christmas Eve service of lessons and carols so that it could be streamed on YouTube.