THE City of York Afghanistan Commemorative Appeal has been given a £2,000 boost by York’s annual community carol concert.

The Press appeal, which aims to create a stained glass window in a city centre church to commemorate the service of York men and women in Afghanistan, has now raised a total of £14,500.

Jill and Phil Hatton, whose son, Matthew, was killed in the Afghan conflict, received the cheque on Saturday on behalf of the fundraising committee.

The presentation took place at All Saints’ Church in Pavement, where renowned stained glass artist Helen Whittaker, of Barley Studios, in Dunnington, will create the window, which will include a memorial to three York servicemen who have died: Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton, Marine David Hart and Trooper Ashley David Smith.

Mr Hatton, who sits on the appeal committee, said: “We’re delighted to receive this tremendous donation for the appeal, which will go a long way to help us reach our target. It’s great that this presentation has taken place at the church where the stained glass window is to be created.”

The sell-out carol concert took place at the Barbican in December, and featured acts including York soprano Rebecca Newman, the Shepherd Group Concert Brass Band, the York community choir Millegro, the harp group Clouds and the choirs of Headlands Primary School and Yearsley Grove Primary School.

Concert organiser Graham Bradbury said: “We’re delighted once again to be helping the Afghanistan Commemorative Appeal.”

He said another £2,000 from last year’s concert would be going to the Lord Mayor of York’s Christmas Cheer Appeal.

Mr Bradbury said this year’s concert will take place at the Barbican on Sunday, December 14, with tickets available from the centre’s box office from July 1.

• Several appeal donations have been made by generous readers in recent months but we still need to raise several thousand pounds more. Anyone willing to organise a fundraising event should phone Mike Laycock on 01904 567132 or email mike.laycock@thepress.co.uk.

To make a donation, send a cheque, payable to The City of York Afghanistan Commemorative Appeal, to: Mike Laycock, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN, accompanied by your name, address and contact details.