The Swindon Choral Society has released its first CD entitled Comfort and Joy, a Christmas collection, recorded in the chapel at Marlborough College. The disc features many well loved carols and some lesser known ones sung by the chamber ensemble.

The CD costs £9.99 with £1 being donated to the Prospect. It is available from WH Smith, or send a cheque for £11 (includes postage) to The Swindon Choral Society, 13 Croft Road, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4DG. The society aims to sell 1,000 by Christmas.

Police paddle for Prospect

A pair of police officers based at Westlea Police Station in Swindon are entering the world's longest canoe race to raise funds for the Prospect Hospice.

Traffic patrol officers PCs Chris Palframan and Chris Silvanus will be canoeing the 126 miles from Devizes to Westminster next Easter backed up by two support crews coordinated by Nine Elms and Shaw beat officer WPC Pat Jones.

The gruelling race will take at least 24 hours to complete during which they are only allowed a one hour stop. Never having canoed before did not deter them from entering. "We were looking for something to maintain our fitness and wanted to do something for charity," said Chris Sylvanus. "Prospect Hospice is close to a lot of people's hearts."

Their previous physical challenges have included the Cheviot 2000 fell race, which is like a marathon up and down mountains, and the Three Peaks Challenge. The Thames Way Canoe Club at South Cerney gave the two Chris' lessons on how to stay in afloat in a canoe and they will be training up to four times a week with help from the DeVere Hotel Leisure Club.

The support crews have been loaned Vauxhall Fronteras from Skurrays in order to leapfrog along the course to keep the lads fed with supplies provided by Asda at the West Swindon Centre.

"We've had some great support from local companies and we're keen to bring more businesses on board," said Pat Jones. "We would also welcome individual sponsorship from people who would like to contribute to the Prospect Hospice through the efforts of the lads."

The team is still in need of a canoe trailer and wet suits to help with their preparations. If you can contribute equipment or funds, contact WPC Jones at Westlea Police Station on (01793) 528111.