A group of Rutland-based musicians have celebrated their fundraising success following a busking event in aid of Children in Need, and are now getting ready for an exciting line up of festive events as Christmas approaches.

Last week, the D'Ukes of Rutland strummed and sang in aid of Children in Need, and raised an impressive £749.57 for the national charity that supports vulnerable children with a televised fundraising extravaganza each year ahead of Christmas.

The fun friendly group of singers and ukulele enthusiasts perform for charity across the county, and can be book for private events, fairs and more.

Their most recent endeavour saw them fund-raising for Children in Need, following which the team thanked their supporters: "We would like to thank everyone who has donated to the D'Ukes of Rutland Busks for Children in Need. We raised £749.57 which has been paid in at The Post Office."

The D'Ukes of Rutland are getting ready for the Tesco Christmas Market this weekend. Image credit: D'Ukes of Rutland.

Next up, the giving group are gearing up for a season of fun and fundraising, and the first event on their list is the annual Christmas Market at Tesco, set to take place on Saturday 25 November.

Following this, the group are playing at various Christmas Parties over the next few weeks, and will be supporting Age Uk Dementia, the St John & St Anne Almhouse Charity, Parkinson's UK, Mencap in Melton, Ashwell's Lavender Hill and The Rotary Club at a range of events.

A spokesperson for the group added: "We are also playing at Oakham Castle on Saturday 16 December from 12pm until 1:30pm with a Songs From the Movies extravaganza. Entrance is free, no tickets needed. Any donations will be given to The Castle towards its upkeep."

Find out more here.

If you are hoping to join the group, they gather at The Lord Nelson in Oakham Market Place every Monday night at 7.30pm.

They also practice every Thursday afternoon at the Noel at Whitwell, Whitwell Road at 2pm.

The team concluded: "Anyone is welcome whether you are passing through, want to learn to play or even just come along to have a sing song or a listen. No experience is required. We will help you to learn to play and we will even loan you a ukulele so you can give it a try, just bring a smile. We play all kinds of music and you can book us for fetes, parties, fund raisers anything at all is considered. Just drop us a line and we will get in touch."

Find out more on the D'Ukes of Rutland website.