Haworth’s wartime spirit has helped boost the funds of an armed forces charity by over £18,000.

In May, thousands of people flocked to the town for its annual 1940s Weekend, and on Sunday Haworth Parish Church was the venue for a rousing choral concert by the York Military Wives Choir.

Both events helped raise money for the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association, the UK’s oldest armed forces charity.

Organisers have announced that the total raised this year for the charity is £18,707, and after Sunday’s concert a cheque was presented to Terry Grayshon, the charity’s West Yorkshire Chairman.

Held each May, the 1940s Weekend sees the town transformed with period costumes, military vehicles and food and drink stalls, and this year’s event paid tribute to the Dambusters raid. The SSAFA were so impressed that they have offered to run next year’s event.

And the money from this year’s hugely popular weekend was topped up by the takings of Sunday’s concert by the choir, made up of the wives and girlfriends of serving soldiers. The group only formed in January, but is already in high demand.

The Reverend Peter Mayo-Smith from Haworth Parish Church said: “It was brilliant, the church was full and at one point we were wondering how we would fit everyone in.

“The choir was wonderful and they were given a standing ovation at the end. They sung a repertoire of favourites, including modern songs from shows like Les Miserables, along with I Vow to Thee, My Country and Jerusalem.”

Phil Kendall, Keighley divisional secretary of the charity, said: “It is wonderful how much they’ve raised – absolutely amazing. You can’t imagine the amount of assistance that is going to provide for ex forces personnel in the area.

“The organisers have worked extremely hard and it is great that everyone has come together to help. I can’t tell you the difference this is going to make.”