COMMUTERS in Oxford enjoyed some Christmas cheer while raising money for the city’s homeless community.

Carol singers from Appleton Community Choir entertained the travellers at Oxford railway station, raising £433 for the Oxford Poverty Action Trust (OxPat).

OxPat is a charity for Oxford’s homeless people and works with agencies in the city to provide food, shelter, clothes and advice.

The event is one of the charity’s biggest fundraisers of the year and comes at a time when homeless people’s needs are most acute.

Pat Mulvihill, trustee for OxPat, was delighted with the reaction of people in the area on Monday. He also thanked staff at nearby WHSmith after a charity collection box in the store raised £176.

Mr Mulvihill, 50, from Oxford, said: “The carols were very well received and the atmosphere was very good.

“People were crowding round singing the carols and everybody was enjoying it.

“They were all very generous and it was good to see. Particularly when people are busy rushing around to take some interest and put some money in the box.”

For details on the Oxford Poverty Action Trust and to see a video of their work, visit oxpat.org