THE heart-warming sound of Christmas carols could be heard across Trowbridge on Saturday as a 40-strong choir and orchestra entertained the crowds.

Trowbridge Orchestra joined forces with Trowbridge Philharmonic Choir to play a medley of festive tunes in a two-hour concert in Castle Place Precinct.

Mayor Glyn Bridges and town council clerk Doug Ross were among the guest singers as members of the public were urged to donate money to chosen charity Dorothy House Hospice.

Orchestra secretary Frank Martin said the crowd enjoyed the music.

"People were going past all the time and putting money in," he said.

"The version of I Saw Three Ships A Sailing, which is about nine verses long, was the fastest rendition I had ever heard as the conductor condensed it all into one continuous verse."

The Salvation Army band also played carols and hymns in Fore Street, on Saturday.