THE new Upton Scudamore village choir is going from strength to strength, having been formed in January under the leadership of Claire Tanner and the guidance of Bob Clitheroe, church organist at St Mary the Virgin.

There are currently 11 members who practise every week, and sing at the service on the first Sunday of every month.

Their first concert in July, which raised over £500 for church funds, marked the Queen' 90th birthday: the church was decorated with red, white and blue bunting and balloons, and a large screen displayed the lyrics which allowed the audience to join in, which they did with great enthusiasm. The choir gave a polished performance combining nostalgia and popular music culminating in a resounding finale of Land of Hope and Glory, with the audience patriotically singing and waving flags reminiscent of the Last Night of the Proms.