A group of Southampton residents who launched their own choir after being inspired by the TV reality show The Choir are tuning up for a summer singalong.

The Living Lordswood Community Choir made its debut last December with a Sing Christmas concert.

It was such a huge success that the songsters, with an age range from ten to 70 plus, are set to hit the high notes again with their second community concert, Sing In The Summer.

Rehearsals start on February 26, at 7.30pm at the Lordswood Community Centre with a concert planned for June 21.

The choir is open to everyone whatever their musical ability, age, gender and background. There are no auditions and no need to be able to read music.

As it launches a new recruiting drive, the choir, which is “bloke friendly,” could do with more tenors and bass singers. February 26 will be a taster session.

Community choirs including the Military Wives have sprung up across the country under the baton of Gareth Malone.

A BAFTA award-winning TV series, The Choir follows Britain’s most famous choirmaster as he teaches choral singing to people who have never had the chance, or experience to sing before.

Organiser of the Living Lordswood Community Choir Peter Short said there had been a huge response from the local community.

He said: “We thought we might get one or two people who like to sing in the shower but we had to find more chairs as the ones and twos just kept coming.”

Once again the choir will come under the baton of local resident and choir master Ian Williamson.

More information is available on the Living Lordswood Facebook page and at livinglordswood.org.uk.