A CHARITY concert featuring a dynamic lineup of West End classics saw in the start of a new year of fundraising for Banbury Rotary Club.

Some 200 people packed into the theatre at Tudor Hall School in Banbury on Saturday to enjoy a range of songs from musical theatre as well as a raffle and auction.

Four seasoned performers including Simon Adkins, originally from Banbury and currently the resident choreographer of musical 42nd Street in the West End, kept audiences entertained all night as the chain of office was formerly handed over from outgoing president Owen Kyffin to Alan Wolstencroft.

In his parting words, Mr Kyffin said Rotary was a 'broad organisation' offering a plethora of opportunities both locally and across the globe.

He said: "It isn’t simply about raising funds for charities. It is about fellowship and offering experiences and opportunities to young people to grow and develop."

Mr Wolstencroft added: "The concert was a great way to start my year as president and I owe an immense debt of gratitude to the four professionals for putting on such a great show, and I must also acknowledge the wonderful support we received from Tudor Hall School and the local businesses who donated items for the raffle and auction."

All funds raised on the night will go towards Mr Wolstencroft's Sierra Leone schools projects and Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign.