THE choir of X Factor runner up Jahmene Douglas treated shoppers to festive songs on Saturday to raise spirits before the big day.

The Bible Life Fellowship’s choir sang half a dozen Christmas carols and gospel songs at Gorse Hill’s Iceland on Saturday afternoon.

The event was arranged by the church to thank the store for collecting donations for the organisation’s Foodbank.

Since opening in June staff at Iceland has asked shoppers to leave goodies in special boxes at the front of the shop to give to people in Swindon who cannot afford to feed themselves.

“We were so touched by what they have done for us,” said Wanda Asila, 38, of Shrivenham.

“We sometimes still sing with Jahmene. We always pull him over whenever we can.

“He has to be very focused now. He use to sing with us and get up and do his harmonies. It is amazing how well he has done.”

Lisa Foster, who works as a talk shop representative at the store, said she was happy the choir sang at the shop.

“This is our way of giving something back to the community,” said Lisa, 38, of Blunsdon.

“This was a derelict shop before we opened and people have said how thankful they are for us opening. A lot of - people use us and it’s nice to do something for them.”