A CONCERT held to raise funds for asylum seekers and refugees settled in Furness has been hailed as a fantastic success.

The concert, in aid of Furness Refugee Support, took place at the Coro on Thursday and featured voice quartet Voce, South Lakes Rock, Pop Choir and retired Ulverston GP John Brice, who arranged the event.

A spokesman for Furness Refugee Support said asylum seekers are arriving in Barrow in ‘basic flip flops’ and urgently need proper footwear and clothes, prompting the community to organise a fundraising event.

A spokesman for Furness Refugee Support said: "The concert was a fantastic success, with wonderful songs from Voce, South Lakes Rock and Pop Choir and John himself!

"Everyone had a great evening and with raffle tickets and a door collection, we will have raised lots of funds.

"The concert raised £1,600 and the money will be used to support all people seeking refuge and help in Furness including those from Ukraine and Afghanistan.

"This is a great initiative. The money will help us to support asylum seekers and refugees who live in our community.

"Many asylum seekers have arrived in Barrow in basic flip flops again so urgently need proper footwear, new underwear and socks."

Voce is made up of the male vocal quartet, Phil, Iain, Chris and Mark, and was formed 13 years ago.

The group, which has a huge repertoire of popular music with a classical twist, regularly attract capacity audiences.

Retired GP John Brice started singing at the age of five. Most recently he has sung principal baritone roles with Lakeland Opera and Preston Opera and, in a former life as a tenor, played most of those roles with the Barrow Savoyards.

He was a member of the London Symphony Chorus, Chelsea Opera Chorus and Dorset Opera Festival Chorus and has performed with many of the area’s brass bands. He was a founder member of local opera group Encore.