CHRISTMAS cheer rang out loud and clear at the Kent Youth Trust carol service in Maidstone's All Saints' Church. About 600 people attended the Service of Lessons and Carols, including five mayors from across the county and Edwin Boorman, the vice-president of the Kent Youth Trust and chairman of the Kent Messenger Group.

Music was led by the Sutton Valence School choir, the Sutton Valence choral society and the KM Gillingham Band.

An alleluia by Mozart was sung by 16-year-old soloist Eleanor Anastopoulos, a pupil at Sutton Valence School, and readings were given by people who work with the Kent Youth Trust.

The trust is a charity aimed at boosting opportunities for youngsters. Initiatives include Momentum where teenagers as young as 14 learn about the dangers of drink driving, road safety and even get behind the wheel of a car on private land.

After the service, the KM Gillingham Band performed a short concert. Trust volunteers as young as nine distributed mince pies and mulled wine. The evening raised about £2,000 for the Kent Youth Trust.

Charmayne Ferrier-Brown, from the Kent Youth Trust, said later: "It was a very successful occasion. Everyone stayed to listen to enjoy the concert and an excellent time was had by all."