MORE than £6,000 was raised at a sell out concert hosted by the Grays Thurrock Rotary Club.

Way Back Now, a close harmony trio made up by three East Thurrock girls and Elizabeth Price a National Theatre starlet wowed the crowd and while Little Thurrock Primary School’s young choir tugged at the heartstrings with delightful vocal performances.

The annual concert, now in its fourth year, was held at the Civic Hall just before Christmas.

The ever-popular Aveley and Newham band played the melodies for the audience to sing-a-long to carols and Thurrock’s “fun choir”, the Mosaic Choir conducted by Darryl Barber, added strength to the community singing and entertainment with their own lively renditions.

Rotarian Ray Smallcombe said: “Part of the goal when we set up the idea of the concert four years ago, was to promote local talent.

“People often moan about Thurrock, but the area has produced some amazing performers from comedians to actors, musicians and singers. We wanted to bring some of these new performers to play alongside well-established groups such as the band.”

Way Back Now, formed of Isabelle Harrington, Georgia Robertson and Lily-Mae Lowe, drew inspiration from the wartime Andrews Sisters. Taking the audience from the 1940s with Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree to the modern day with their own arrangement of Beyonce’s classic debut single Crazy in love, the group brought the house down.

Thurrock’s mayor Tony Fish and MP Jackie Doyle-Price also attended the event.

Mr Smallcombe added: “We have had a lot of feedback from people saying that this was the best concert yet. We are now looking out for the young performers who will make the 2014 show successful.”

Thurrock Gazette:

Future star - Elizabeth Price