CHESTER’S all-female choir, the Handbag of Harmonies, was on top song last week to encourage Christmas shoppers to donate their funds to Claire House Children’s Hospice.

The Handbags wooed audiences at the Mall Chester with a combination of Christmas songs and classic hits performed in St Michael’s Square during late-night shopping.

With singers from Chester and the surrounding area, the Handbag of Harmonies formed seven years ago, having recently appeared at a selection of high profile events including the Kylie exhibition and Manchester Pride.

All arrangements for the songs are original and put together by musical director, Matt Baker, who is from Chester’s Garden Quarter Area.

John Maddock, events fundraiser for Claire House Children’s Hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Handbag of Harmonies for their support. To have such a talented group of singers helping to provide funds for our children is such a privilege.

“Claire House currently cares for over 230 children from Cheshire, Merseyside, North Wales and the Isle of Man and relies on the good will of people like this.”