THE Gate Charity is "enormously grateful" for the support it received from the local community, while organising its first major fundraising event.

Thanks to the incredible generosity found in Clackmannanshire and beyond, the tickets and programme sales from Sing-out for The Gate will go directly to the cause.

The night on Saturday, February 6, will help pay the running and overhead costs necessary to keep it going.

Based at The Gate Centre on Tullibody Road, the organisation provides a crisis foodbank, community cafe and more.

For the fundraiser at Alloa Town Hall, the charity has been in receipt of sponsorship from businesses and individuals, covering expenses for the show by Forth Valley Chorus.

That – combined with the kindness shown by groups like Hillfoot Harmony, which turned down a payment offered for the use of stage equipment and transport costs – has led The Gate to say a heart-felt thanks.

Ernest Sangster, a local retired minister, member of The Gate's fundraising committee and father of Forth Valley Chorus director, David Sangster, said the response from the community means a lot.

He went on: "Hillfoot Harmony's gesture is typical of the attitude of local businesses and anonymous individuals in the county who have sponsored the event.

"It has meant that expenses are covered to such an extent that ticket and programme sales for the show will be clean profit for The Gate.

"Two local restaurants, Bar Aldo and Mr Singhs, even agreed to open early on the night of the concert to offer specially-priced pre-show meals.

"This kind of response to the venture means a lot to us - and, of course, to the people we try to help. We are enormously grateful.

"So to everyone who sponsored us, those we know and others unknown, and to all whose presence and giving on the night mean so much to us and those we try to help, we 'Sing out for the Gate' our heart-felt thanks."

Saturday's event will start at 7.30pm and will feature five-time UK champions in ladies barbershop Forth Valley Chorus – who are due to lend their director to Hillfoot Harmony as a guest coach, so they enjoy mutual support – and will feature a packed night of music.

They are known for their vibrant onstage energy and vocal harmonies, singing and dancing their way through an exciting programme of jazz, swing, country, classic barbershop and contemporary pop.

Tickets are priced at £10 (£8 concession) and are still available at The Gate (01259 218766) or at the door on Saturday.