THE JOY of Christmas was celebrated with a charity carol concert last night.

To mark the arrival of the festive season, the 16th annual concert in aid of The Argus Appeal and The Martlets hospice took place in All Saints Church, The Drive, Hove.

Hundreds of people packed into the church to sing carols including O Little Town of Bethlehem and Silent Night and to raise money for the causes.

The church looked the part with Christmas trees and plenty of tinsel.

More than 100 singers performed a range of Christmas songs while screen, stage and television actor Israel Oyelumade, who lives in Steyning, narrated proceedings .

Some 75 singers from the Brighton Orpheus adult choir and 12 juniors, along with another 16 performers from the All Saints Church choir, also took part.

Music was provided by the Sussex Flutes, the Hangleton Band and organist John March.

The popular event is one of the highlights of the festive season for many and organisers said they were thrilled with the turn out.

Argus Appeal trustee Roger French, former managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, was one of a number of speakers.

He said: "Charitable fundraising is tougher than ever with everyone tightening their belts. It is really good to see the generosity of people in the city is alive and well for the Argus Appeal and The Martlets - two very worthwhile causes.

"It is a good time to celebrate and a lovely tradition. It warms the hearts of everyone in the city and brings everyone together."

Imelda Glackin, chief executive of the Martlets hospice, said: "It has been a fantastic year for The Martlets with the Snowdog trail. This is always a time of year to celebrate life and The Martlets is very much about celebrating life. And it is so important that it's a community event in the city and brings everyone together. What better way to do that than with music and song."

The concert was also supported by Eleanor Hunnisett in memory of her husband Derek Hunnisett, who died in 2011 at the age of 79.

He was involved with Sussex charities for more than 40 years, including both the Argus Appeal and The Martlets.

Mrs Hunnisett said: "The spirit of Christmas is here with us in this lovely church with the wonderful choirs, musicians and speaker."