A friendly crowd has sung the praises of a Ukrainian choir at the launch of a church fundraising group in an East Hampshire village.

There was dancing in the aisles as people from both sides of Europe came together for the launch of the Friends of St Mary’s Liss on Sunday, July 14.

The group aims to raise money for maintenance, repairs and improvements at the church on Station Road.

Its launch was a noteworthy affair with around 100 people gathering in St Mary’s following the church fete.

They were treated to speeches ahead of a performance by the Two Colours Ukrainian choir, with its female members singing around a dozen songs in their native tongue.

The choir was formed two years ago while proceeds from their concerts have financed an armoured ambulance for the Ukrainian front line.

Proceeds from their performance and the FOSM launch will be split between both causes with the latter’s chair, Keith Budden, hailing the choir’s wonderful performance.

He said: “We do have a very serious purpose today and that’s to raise money, not just for ourselves but also for these good ladies.

“We’re also looking for people to join the FOSM and it would be really helpful if some of you here today signed up. It costs a vast amount of money to keep this church going and I’m sure we all want to support the vicar and her wonderful team here.”

“I’m really aware of how much this building means to those who even might not worship with us, as this space is so special,” said Rev Clare Welham.

“This building costs an enormous amount to keep running and keep active so the reason we’re asking you to back the FOSM today is because we want to this building to remain her for future generations.”