VOICES from across the region joined in a feast of hymn singing and raised money to the tune of £ 500.

The Hymnathon event in Kendal's Holy Trinity and St George's Church attracted more than 100 people in a fund-raiser for Kendal's 102 Ecumenical Centre, on Highgate.

Kendal Madrigal Singers and organists such as Alan Gardner, David Caton and Robin Orr and the music group from St Peter's Church, Heversham, all took part with Brenda and John Blake, Alan Gower and Charles Edmondson also lending a musical hand.

Grahame Jackson, chairman of the 102 Executive Committee, which organised the six-hour Hymnathon, said it was aimed at increasing 102's membership from 70 to 200: "We need to raise £15,000 from next March onwards to help run the centre.

"Last year we had a grant from Ops For Volunteers, a Government grant.

Now we have to find the money to fill the hole."

Altogether, congregations from 18 of the Churches Together in Kentdale and churches associated with 102 took part.

And other fund-raising events are also in the pipeline.