THE Conservatives in Cornwall have been accused of "duping" a charity choir into taking part in a Christmas carol concert to raise money for party funds as well as charity.

Members of Helston Chamber Choir were delighted when they were invited to sing at the festive event next week, believing it was in aid of St Julia's Hospice, part of Cornwall Hospice Care, alone.

However, when promised publicity material and tickets failed to materialise, and then e-mails went unanswered, the choir investigated further – only to find the concert was also raising cash for the Tories in West Cornwall.

Grace Barnes, chairman of the choir, claimed they had been "duped" into taking part in the political fundraiser – a practice which is illegal for charities.

"We did it because we thought it was for a good cause," Ms Barnes told the Western Morning News. "But, even if it had been on, when we all turned up we would have had to walk away because we are a registered charity. Our position would have been the same whatever party it was, we just can't do it."

The choir, which has wasted six weeks of practice, was invited to take part in the event by Stephen Sobey, a member of the St Ives Conservatives Association management committee. The concert, due to be held at Epworth Hall in Helston this Friday, has been cancelled.

Earlier this month, the choir dispatched a stinging, three-page letter to Mr Sobey, who failed to win a seat for the St Keverne ward in June's Cornwall Council elections, demanding an explanation and compensation for their wasted expenses.

"You have caused much distress and discredited your party locally," Ms Barnes wrote. "I enclose a bill for all expenses and would ask for a donation to our choir to recompense us for our distress and embarrassment."

Their letter, which was also copied to Derek Thomas, Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for St Ives, was met by a 16-word e-mail from Mr Sobey. It simply read: "Please forward the bill which was not attached to this e-mail and it will be paid." It was signed "SS".

Contacted by the WMN, Mr Sobey offered a full apology and promised to repay the choir's expenses, thought to be around £110, and give them a donation.

"I hope the choir will accept my sincerest apologies for my genuine mistakes regarding the planned Christmas Carol concert in Helston and any inconvenience caused to them," he said. "I initially planned this event and secured the involvement of the choir while I lived in Cornwall during the summer. I recently moved from Cornwall to London. This has caused huge communication problems and left many loose ends."

"We intended to raise funds for Cornwall Hospice Care at the event and at no point did I or the Conservative Association, seek to hide our involvement. However, I accept that I did not keep the choir informed of our plans, this is my error and I take full responsibility for this."

It is the second time in as many months that Tory party fundraising tactics have been called into question. Last month, fundraisers on The Lizard accused the Conservatives of "hijacking" their fireworks display to raise money.

Porthallow Village Institute, which needs to raise £100,000, charged £4 for entrance to its fireworks event.

Meanwhile, Conservative supporters were invited to a firework party at a house in the area, costing £8 for entrance, a hot dog and mulled wine, on the same night. However, the event had no fireworks of its own – instead the invitation stated: "Porthallow village fireworks can be viewed from the front garden."