More than 220 singers from 56 different choirs from all over Norfolk and from as far afield as Northumberland and Cheshire took part in a come and sing day hosted by Fakenham Choral Society (FCS).

Saturday's event, at Fakenham Community Centre, raised £3,500 for the Norfolk Hospice. The main musical purpose of the day was for the choir to learn and to put on a performance of Fauré's Requiem, which took place in Fakenham Parish Church at 6pm to a packed audience.

FCS hoped the day would encourage not only regular singers but those who only sing occasionally and those for whom this would be the first time, to come together, have fun and experience being part of a big choir singing a major choral work.

The morning and afternoon workshops, as well as practicing the main choral work of the day, provided a few fun singing exercises and songs designed to help singers practice and improve their techniques.

The workshops were directed and led by the FCS musical director Janet Kelsey, an experienced choral teacher who has now retired after ten years teaching Gresham's School.

The come and sing choir was accompanied by the FCS rehearsal pianist James Laird, also recently retired from Gresham's School.

The evening performance was enhanced by the two soloists Alice Furniss, soprano and Tom Appelton baritone.

Alice stepped in at the last minute for Frances Kelsey who was unwell. Her clear, fresh voice made light work of the beautiful Pie Jesu, which was flowing and effortless.

Tom Appleton is well known locally as the musical director of King's Lynn Festival Chorus. He is also Music Outreach Director at Gresham's School, and a singer and Choir Manager of the multi award winning Monteverdi Choir under Sir John Eliot Gardiner, with whom he travels extensively.

After great applause and thanks to all those who had made the day possible, the evening ended with choir and audience mingling together for drinks and nibbles before making their way home.

A cheque will be formally presented to the Norfolk Hospice before the Fakenham Choral Society's concert on Saturday, March 21, in Fakenham Parish Church. The concert, which starts at 7.30pm, is made up of two well known and much loved major works, Bach's Magnificat and Mozart's Requiem. Tickets priced £15 (under 18s free) can be obtained from 01328 830639 or at the door.