THE founder of a community choir has held a silent note for 24 hours to raise money for a Comet country charity.

Tony Ridgway-Cole, of Letchworth GC based City Chorus, completed his sponsored silence last night (Wednesday) as part of a fundraiser for Garden House Hospice, situated at Gillison Close in the town.

The musical director for the choir, which was set up last year, decided to keep quiet in a bid to raise funds for the production the group’s first CD.

All proceeds from the sale of the CDs will go towards the hospice, which supports those living in North Herts and Stevenage with a terminal diagnosis.

The Comet was unable to speak to Tony during the silence - which he completed at 9pm after conducting the first part of a group rehearsal without saying a word - so caught up with him on Monday ahead of the challenge.

He said: “The reason behind the silence is we’re trying to make money for our first CD, with all the proceeds going to the Garden House Hospice. We’ve been doing a lot of fundraising with Helen, Tina and Bev from City Chorus raising �800 from a Rotary walk at the weekend.

“Everyone I tell they laugh – I’m just never silent so it’s going to be very difficult.”

City Chorus member Helen Day, who was one of a number in the group to keep a watchful eye on Tony during the 24 hours, added: “We left him in the cafe and he was rocking backwards and forwards.

“Normally he never shuts up - he’s always talking so it’s nice to be able to get a word in!”

So far �800 has been raised from the event.

For more information on how to get involved visit www.citychorus.org or call Tony on 01462 416565.