A SWINDON choir is celebrating success at Cheltenham's Festival of Performing Arts.

The Wessex Male Choir came first in the male choir, sacred music and songs from the shows classes.

It was also awarded the Gold Cup for the overall best choir.

The group beat choirs from London, Surrey and Gloucestershire at the event earlier this month.

Musical director Rob Elliott said: "This is a fantastic result for the choir.

"We have worked hard to prepare for this over the past few weeks and it is great to have our efforts rewarded by the judges at the Cheltenham Festival.

"The quality of performance on the day was very high but we gave some excellent performances, especially in the male choir class, where we attained our first ever outstanding rating."

Judges commended the choir on its stunning use of a wide variety of music and dubbed the performance magical.

Even the competition gave a standing ovation to the group for its dazzling performance.

The Wessex Male Choir was founded by Rob Elliott in September 2001, and today has more than 50 members.

It is going to Cricklade in June for a one-night performance at St Sampson's Church.

Last year the choir's star turn was one of the highlights of the town's annual festival as it sold out all available seats.

This year's performance will be on Saturday, June 7, with tickets priced at £7.50 or £5 for pensioners.

Tickets are available from C&R Family Grocers and Baileys News.

The event is just a month before the choir hosts its seventh international concert on July 8 in Swindon.

For this event the Wessex choir will be joined by female choir Lirica, who come from Belgium.

Tickets for the show are available from the Swindon Tourist Information Centre, by calling 01793 530328 or by calling Alan Chippendale on 01793 812636.

The choir is also looking for new members and will welcome anyone with a passion for singing.

The choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings in Swindon and interested singers of all ages will receive a warm welcome.

For more information contact Rob Elliott on 07710 197789 or email musical.director@wessexmalechoir.co.uk.