A SELL-OUT show at the Wyvern Theatre by the Swindon Rock Choir raised £15,000 for the Radiotherapy Appeal.

The choir's 250 members, who are all amateur singers, performed unique variations of well-known rock hits at the concert in July.

The event concluded with the entire audience on their feet singing along to Queen's Don't Stop Me Now.

Kate Benson, leader of the Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett, and Covingham Rock Choirs, said: "The concert was a feel-good celebration and let people share the unique energy that this choir provides, it felt amazing

"It took a year to organise and at first I wasn't sure if it was even possible to put on, but we made it happen

"This was a one-off large-scale event and I don't want to rule out doing more in the future, but there are no plans at the moment – I need to recover from this one first!

"It took a lot of time and effort but it was an amazing night and a real thrill to do."

Kate presented the cheque to delighted Brighter Futures staff earlier this month.

Kate added: "I'm absolutely staggered by how well the concert went.

"We set out to raise £10,000 so to exceed that so much was beyond my wildest dreams, it's an incredible achievement.

"It was an incredible honour and a dream realised to present Brighter Futures with that cheque.

"I presented the cheque to them with two choir members who have been with me since the very beginning, so it was a special moment.

"It was probably the proudest moment of my life, it brought a tear to my eye.

"I decided to put on this event to raise money for Brighter Futures because I wanted to help make a difference and be part of the radiotherapy appeal's legacy.

"It's great to think that we are helping them get to their total during the final stretch.

"This radiotherapy unit at Great Western Hospital really needs to be built.

"It would cut out that long daily journey to Oxford and back for chemotherapy treatment that so many people in Swindon have to deal with at the moment, which would make a huge difference."

West End singer Kerry Ellis and professional guitarist Darren Hunt also performed at the concert.

The Rock Choir is the UK's largest and most popular contemporary choir, with more than 25,000 members in over 300 communities across the country.

Over the last few years, the choir has also performed at Christmas lights switch-ons, Race for Life events, town centre flash mobs, the Lechlade Music Festival, the Minety Festival, with Russell Watson, and even at Wembley Stadium.

Singers of all ages are welcome to join the choir, which meets at weekly rehearsals.

For more information and to register for a free taster session, visit rockchoir.com