A BAGPIPING dad raised money for a charity close to his heart as he played in 2023 for the Halstead community.

Robert Adam, from Halstead, is an avid piper and regularly performs on New Year’s Eve each year.

Robert has been playing the bagpipes for about 40 years after being introduced to them by his father, who was from Glasgow.

The 58-year-old previously explained how he was taken to a Highland gathering in London, where there was a mass pipes and drums band of about 400 players, before falling in love with the sound.

Both his daughters also enjoy playing instruments, with youngest Lily, playing the tenor drums as a member of the Colchester City Pipe Band.

Lily has played with her father in the town the last three years.

Eldest daughter Casey played pipes with Mr Adam many years ago at the top of the town, before moving on and playing the piano.

On the night Robert performed with the pipes and drums of the Colchester City Pipe Band, with hundreds enjoying the spectacle as part of celebrations in Halstead.

Robert said: “I would just like to thank everybody that came to the top of the high street for New Year’s Eve.

“It was a fantastic night and hundreds of the townspeople got together to sing along into the New Year.

Mr Adam also raised money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association on the night, with Robert raising more than £1,000.

The charity works on improving access to care, research and campaigning for people affected by motor neurone disease and is one which is close to his heart.

Robert said: “We did a collection for the Motor Neurone Disease Association on the night and online and so far, we have raised £1300.

“My partner Jane who suffers from MND said she would like to thank everyone for their support and donations.

“It was lovely to see all the families with young children clapping and singing along to the tunes and I’m sure it will be a night they remember for many years.

“Let’s hope that 2023 is a happy and healthy year for all and we can return again next New Year’s Eve with even more people from our lovely town to celebrate together.”