SOME Christmas shoppers in Chester city centre were reduced to tears by a 'touching' performance from the Dee Sign Choir.

Performing a range of Christmas hits the choir packed an emotional punch with their use of British Sign Language to music in a bid to raise funds for city-based charity Deafness Support Network (DSN).

Chester and District Standard:

Elfie from CH1 Bid getting in on the fundraising action in Chester with DSN.

The Dee Sign Choir performed for more than three hours in plummeting temperatures on the first big shopping weekend of the festive period, just outside of Tesco, on Frodsham Square.

The group were fuelled with tea, coffee and mince pies thanks to Rob Ffoulkes, Tesco Community Fundraiser, who also helped to organise bucket collections.

Erica Jones, fundraising manager for DSN, said: “We are thrilled to have raised £439.23 from the event. It is a true testament to how wonderful the choir is but also to how much their performances really do touch people in such a special way. We were really pleased to be able to spread awareness about the work that we do and also spread some Christmas cheer too!”

Chester and District Standard:

Members of Youth Vibe took time out of their weekend to help with bucket collections in Chester for DSN.

Raising money for Deafness Support Network, which has provided assistance to the deaf community in Cheshire and beyond for more than 40 years, the choir were ‘astounded’ at the total from the generous public.

Erica added: “Fundraising events like this really help us to bring a wider and more diverse range of activities to the deaf community - all the way from birth right through to older age. We want to thank all of our volunteers, staff, the choir of course and all of those generous donors on the day.”

If you are interested in creating an event or being sponsored to help DSN raise funds, please contact Erica Jones on erica.jones@dsnonline.co.uk

Chester and District Standard:

The Dee Sign Choir in Frodsham Square Chester.