A dazzling display of Christmas lights moved a step closer for Rayleigh High Street thanks to the vocal efforts of a children's choir.

Young members of the Kids Choir 2000 sang their socks off as they launched their millennium tour with a rock concert at the town's Mill Hall.

The show, organised by the Rayleigh Chamber of Trade helped raise more than £1,000 towards the cost of lighting up the High Street from mid-November.

The sparkling display will continue until well into the new year.

Derek Nelson, chairman of Rochford Council, praised the singers adding: "What a show!

"These kids really are special and local residents and visitors will have a lot to thank them for this Christmas with the display that has been planned."

Les Titford, the choir's musical director, said: "We are happy to help any good cause and with this being a very special new year we were glad to play our part."

Kids Choir 2000's Y2K tour continues on Sunday at the Battlesbridge Motorbilia Show and then at Hockley Christmas Lights launch on November 27.

Members will also be performing at the Mill Hall on December 12 and at their Big Christmas Show at Southend's New Empire Theatre on December 19.

For details of the choir, call 01268 514989.

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