A Swindon choir will be performing at a concert in memory of former mayor Rex Barnett.

Rex was a huge supporter of many charities but the cause closest to his heart was the Willows Counselling Service, and following his death in 2013, his wife Sandra decided to continue the campaign to raise awareness of the charity.

Sandra, and fellow fund raising committee member Kathleen Smith, whose own late husband Barry Smith was a close friend of Rex's, organise an annual concert to remember both men and their good works.

The Kentwood Show Choir led by Sheila Harrod is glad to perform at the concert on September 24, as they sang a tribute to Rex at the celebration of his life. Sandra is hoping they will perform the same song, Nella Fantasia, at the concert.

Sheila will be at the piano to accompany the choir and they will also perform solos and duets.

Rex, who was a councillor in the Haydon Wick ward, was diagnosed with lung cancer at the end of his mayoral year in 2011.

During his time as mayor, he raised an impressive £68,000 for charity including the Prospect Hospice, the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM), the Willows and a further 11 charities and good causes also benefitted from that bulging pot.

Rex started his working life with the GWR at the Swindon Works and served a five-year apprenticeship as a gas fitter and plumber.

The concert in memory of Rex takes place at the Blunsdon House Hotel from 7.30pm and tickets are £8 from 01793 722320 or 01793 722972