BANBURY MP Victoria Prentis is encouraging people to come together and sing for the people of Syria.

Mrs Prentis has been working with the artist George Butler to help organise a nationwide series of carol concerts this Christmas to raise money for Christian Aid and the Hands Up Foundation.

Both organisations are currently involved in aid relief in Syria and will work to ensure people affected by the conflict are helped through the harsh winter months. Mrs Prentis has called on people to organise carol concerts in their communities to raise money to provide emergency food, water and sanitation as well as blankets, warm clothing, food stoves, fuel and other support.

Organisers of the concerts will also be invited to a special carol concert in St Margaret’s Church in the grounds of Westminster Abbey on December 15.

Mrs Prentis said: “Before I was elected, I found that carol concerts were a great way to raise money while having a good sing.

“It therefore seemed obvious to me that concerts would be a good way to raise money for the most desperate people who remain in Syria.

“I am particularly concerned about the elderly and those with poor health, who are too weak to contemplate leaving the country.

“I really hope people will get behind this initiative.”