SINGALONG concerts reflecting on events and characters from the Second World War have captured nearly £2,000 for charities.

The sell-out shows staged by The Trench Raiders, a group of entertainers who tell war time tales through anecdotes and song, were hosted by Hagley Rotary Club at Hagley Community Centre and the Stourbridge Old Edwardian Club in Stourbridge.

War historian Kenneth Wright first mustered his troops to deliver First World War concerts in 2013 to mark 100 years since the start of WWI and The Trench Raiders, made up of committee members from Stourbridge Old Edwardian Club, have raised thousands of pounds for forces and other charities since.

Their latest Second World War themed concerts, featuring musical sing-a-longs and reflections on events and characters from Gracie Fields to George Formby to Sir Winston Churchill, raised more than £1,900, which will benefit Rotary charities, the Royal British Legion, the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Charity (SSAFA) and BLESMA which helps limbless war veterans.

Founder Kenneth Wright from Kidderminster, a former president of Stourbridge Old Edwardian Club, said: “War time radio programmes like Music While You Work continued long after the end of the war.

“Many of us who were brought up in the post war era have a vivid memory of the songs. We even found the audiences knew most of the words without the song sheets we provided.”

The Trench Raiders welcome enquiries from fundraising clubs, organisations and public bodies.

Anyone wishing to book them can or go to website www.trenchraiders.org or call Kenneth Wright on 01562 822125.