A RECORD amount of donations was raised and more people than ever attended the Carols round the Tree event last week, making it the most successful yet.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, street collections and the event, which sees hundreds of residents and visitors gather around the town’s Christmas tree and sing carols, raised £1,787 for Julia’s House.

A spokesman for the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis said: “The great coming together of the Lyme Regis community, of what is generally felt as the start of the festive season, was the most successful yet.

“The mild evening weather brought record crowds to this annual event.

“Thanks to the town band, our town crier Alan Vian for officiating,= and for all those collectors, Rotarians and partners, assisted by our local star collectors, Joshua Denning and his family, Andrew Hodder and all the helpers.

“Our special thanks to the Royal Lion Hotel who supplied all with hot soup and hundreds of mince pies on the night.

“Of course our thanks also to all those attending in fine voice, both locals and visitors and to all who so generously contributed.”