WE would like to thank everyone who was kind enough to support the military charities concert held at Hereford Cathedral on October 18.

All the monies raised have now been collected and we can announce that a magnificent £8,000 will be divided equally between the three charities – SSAFA, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and The Royal British Legion. We can also confirm that all the cash raised will be spent in the county, to give help and assistance to those serving in our Armed Forces, veterans and the families of both.

As county chairmen of these charities we would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the outstanding performers on the evening, the British Police Symphony Orchestra and Cantabile, the award-winning girls’ choir from Hereford Cathedral School. We must not forget, of course, Kate Bliss, who compered the evening with skill and great enthusiasm.

The evening was made all the more enjoyable by the vociferous participation of the audience at the end of the night as everyone joined in a roof-raising rendition of Rule Britannia, in true Last Night of the Proms style.

As conflicts around the world continue, there is an ever-increasing need to offer practical and emotional support to our military personnel and their families, and the generous contributions from the audience and sponsors for this event were invaluable.

Thanks again to one and all.

AIR-VICE MARSHAL MIKE SMART (SSAFA), MIKE ROWLATT (ABF The Soldiers’ Charity), PETER HEREFORD (The Royal British Legion)