A CHOIR is raising its voice in celebration having been saved thanks to a surprise windfall.

The Vocal Zones Choir is based in West Bergholt, having moved from Wormingford.

Despite its successful start to life, numbers had dwindled and choir leaders decided to apply for a National Lottery Grant.

They did not expect to hear back but it was music to their ears when they found out they had been given £3,715 to keep the choir going.

Linda Truluck, who is the choir’s secretary, said they are now appealing for more members.

She said: “We desperately need new members, we have got about 26 but they don’t come every week.

“The grant was so important and we couldn’t have carried on without it.

“There wasn’t anything like this in West Bergholt so we had a lot of interest.

“We needed funding to carry on, we have for to pay the musical director and the hall so we need at least 20 members just to cover those costs.”

The choir has hosted a number of fundraising events but needed more substantial funds.

Linda said: “We have struggled but the grant was an absolute godsend as it’s quite unusual for choirs to get funding.

“We sing very modern songs including songs from musicals, it’s very much a turn up and pay thing.

“It costs £5 and we want to encourage people to come along and have fun.

“The youngest member is 16 and the oldest is 84 so there is a big selection, it’s for everybody.

“It’s just for fun but we have organised some concerts before as we want to get ourselves known, we also do fetes and Christmas concerts.”

The choir sings at 7pm every Tuesday at Heathlands School in West Bergholt.

Choir leaders include Ann and Tony Long and Carol Bush, plus Linda’s husband Graham, who is the group’s treasurer.

Call 07545 572157 or visit vocalzoneschoir.co.uk to find out more.