HARTLEBURY Castle is seeking singers to join its new choir and bring to life its atmospheric chapel and state rooms.

The choir will perform at events throughout the year and rehearsals will take place fortnightly on Tuesdays.

The first rehearsal will take place on Tuesday (October 17) between 7pm and 8.30pm and those interested in joining are invited to come along.

While work continues in turning the site into a national visitor attraction, Hartlebury Castle are keen to ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for the local community to be involved with the venue. The Hartlebury Castle Choir is one of the initiatives an it is hoped that singers from the area will come and take part in the unique opportunity.

Jacqueline Smith, volunteer co-ordinator, said: "This is a great opportunity for locals to join a unique choir that will bring life to the beautiful chapel at Hartlebury Castle.

"It is a chance to meet others who enjoy singing and to practice their singing skills, no matter how experienced or new to singing they may be."

The choir will be led by Jerry Price, head of music at Winterfold House School and a Hartlebury resident himself. A keen singer, Jerry is involved in the coaching of the choirs at his school and sings bass in a local church choir.

He added: "One of the most exciting things about the Hartlebury Castle Choir for me is we won't be restricted to just sacred music.

"We have the freedom to perform fun, contemporary numbers, as well as classic repertoire, within such beautiful acoustic spaces at the castle."

No auditions are required to join the choir and members do not need to be able to read music.

Anyone interested in joining can call Jacqueline Smith on 01299 250797 or email volunteer@hartleburycastle.com.