A GROUP of young singers were in excellent voice as they raised hundreds of pounds for a York organisation which helps those whose lives have been blighted by multiple sclerosis.

The New Generation Singing Club held a concert at York High School to boost the work of Woodlands Respite Care Centre in Thief Lane – and it was all in the memory of a woman the staff there treated during the last weeks of her life.

Claire Savage, from York, passed away aged 42 from multiple sclerosis earlier this year, and her son James – a member of the singing club, which is run for nine-to-16-year-olds – suggested staging a show to celebrate her life and raise money for Woodlands.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun John Galvin, and the Lady Mayoress, Val Galvin, attended last week’s concert, which saw £608 collected for the respite care centre.

“We are delighted the show raised so much and has helped to raise our profile,” said Woodlands’ fundraising and volunteer co-ordinator Rachael Chamberlain.