Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Television news presenter Nicholas Owen will host an evening of Christmas carols at Wellington College, Crowthorne in aid of Thames Hospicecare.

The impressive chapel at the Crowthorne college will echo to the sounds of Christmas on Thursday, December 8.

The concert will feature chamber choirs from the Brigidine and St Bernard's convents as well as music from the Berkshire Young Musicians' Trust's wind band.

Alex Smith, event organiser for Thames Hospicecare, said: "We are really pleased that Nicholas Owen has kind-ly offered to host the evening this year. Nicholas is known to so many people through his presentation of the ITV lunchtime news and will certainly add some extra sparkle to the occasion.

"We have gone for a very youthful theme to this year's concert. There is some huge young talent locally and it is wonderful to have their support and equally to be able to offer a platform to their abilities both musically and vocally."

The popular annual event will raise funds for Thames Hospicecare's Windsor and Ascot-based hospices which provide services to people suffering from a terminal or life-limiting illness, their families and their carers.

The charity formed earlier this year following the merger of the Paul Bevan Hospice and Thames Valley Hospice.

The Crowthorne carol concert will start at 7.45pm. Tickets priced £10 are available on 08456 128 812.

ic Berkshire ~ Crowthorne ~ Nov 15 2005 ~ By Sarah Clark