ANYONE with an interest in singing has the chance to join a new community choir in the area. It is the idea of Edward Jacobs, an experienced musical director, pianist and composer.

ANYONE with an interest in singing has the chance to join a new community choir in the area.

It is the idea of Edward Jacobs, an experienced musical director, pianist and composer.

Mr Jacobs, 48, who moved to Colyton recently, said he wants to make it available to everyone, and said there will be no 'nerve-wracking' auditions to become a member.

He said: "I would like to think it will be quite exciting, with a variety of music and I will be running some workshops for it, to help increase people's confidence, if that is what they need."

The choir, which will only be named when there have been a few sessions, is aimed at appealing to people in East Devon, South Somerset and West Dorset. Mr Edwards said: "I am aware that there is a lot of high quality music going on in the area, but I feel there is a need for a community choir.

"I have spoken to a number of people who have been in choirs that are no longer functioning. For example, I heard there was a rock choir in Sidmouth that closed down.

"The aim is to get younger people involved and to enthuse each other with something different, without the sort of pressure of auditions. I want to open it up so that a range of people can enjoy it."

He said that television programmes like the BBC's Last Choir Standing and the drama, All the Small Things, had helped to raise the profile of choirs over the last few years. He said: "There has been a resurgence of interest as a result. I am hoping that this will take off, and although it will start in a small way, I am happy to take it up to 100 members."

He said he hoped the choir would achieve a standard where it could perform to the public, although, he said, it could take a while to achieve that.

The first meeting is set to take place at Whitford Village Hall, on Friday, September 11, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm, with the first three sessions free.

Anyone wanting more information can contact Mr Edwards on (01297) 552935 or Christine Brown on (01297) 552233.