More than 30 choirs will be helping the festive mood among airline passengers and staff.

BAA Gatwick has launched its annual Christmas Appeal to raise money for local charities.

As part of the event, from Sussex and Surrey will be at Gatwick.

The appeal, in its 27th year, will raise money for St Catherine's Hospice, the Royal National Institute for the Blind and Travel-Care, the airport's own charity.

It was launched by Chris Mullins, the Mayor of Crawley, Laura Moffatt MP and BAA Gatwick managing director Roger Cato.

It is hoped passengers and staff can beat last year's total of £11,500.

Kevin Harman, head of engineering service delivery and chairman of the Christmas appeal, said: "It is a wonderful opportunity for school and local groups to perform in front of a huge international audience."

A spokesman for BAA said some staff would be taking part in a roller ride on December 14. They will take it in turns to cycle a certain distance, but the bikes will be on rollers so they won't be going anywhere.