THOUSANDS of pounds raised at Bicester’s first military proms concert has been handed over to help the country’s hero soldiers.

The proms held in Garth Park in September raised £4,087 for soldiers’ charity Help For Heroes.

It was the first time Bicester Town Council had staged a military proms concert and due to its success the council may consider doing it again next year.

Mayor Rose Stratford said the evening had been a huge hit with residents.

She said: “I am delighted we raised so much for charity Help For Heroes.

“It just shows as a county we support our troops and their families.

“We all say the soldiers are heroes, but the heroes are also their families.

“The proms evening went so well. There were lots of people who brought picnics and had candles on their tables and were waving their flags.”

Town council Conservative leader James Porter said: “It shows the huge generosity of people of Bicester.”

Many local businesses sponsored the event and equipment for the night was given on loan free of charge, so all the profits from ticket sales went direct to the charity.