Charity singers brave the big freeze to raise £20,000

Committed campaigners battled the recent winter blizzards to raise more than £20,000 in a single night for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation's Carols for Christmas evening.

With some performers unable to reach St Cuthbert's Church in Edinburgh due to the extreme weather conditions, the show was saved by extra pieces performed by the Dalkeith and Monktonhall Brass Band accompanied by organist David Goodenough, and extra carols performed by the entire audience.

Taggart actress Blythe Duff also battled through the snow to deliver a reading, alongside other talent including Scottish actress Una McLean, Rebus star Jennifer Black, radio presenter Tonya Macari and Edinburgh Rugby captain, Roddy Grant.

The 20,000 raised last Wednesday is will be used to help purchase new "film studio" keyhole surgery equipment.