THEY were enjoying Saturday morning shopping in the sunshine.

And no wonder they were surprised when dozens of singers burst into song with an excerpt from Handel’s famous Messiah in the heart of Huddersfield.

It was a charity ‘flash mob’ show by singers from several local choirs.

Choristers joined other singers to perform at Huddersfield Piazza.

The event, organised by Gledholt Male Voice Choir, was to raise cash for the Hollybank Trust.

The flash mob gig included singers from Gledholt, Marsh Ladies’ Choir, Shepley Singers, New Mill Male Voice Choir and other choristers from Harrogate and Chester.

A flash mob is when a group of people (often strangers) rapidly assemble in a public space to perform one specific action before quickly dispersing.

The first flash mob was created in Manhattan in May 2003, by Bill Wasik of Harper’s Magazine.

The Huddersfield singers were led by soprano Helen Clayton, from Marsh Ladies’ Choir.

Ms Clayton, from Brighouse, said: “It went very well from what people said. I’ve never done anything like that before.

“We’ve had people from Harrogate and beyond and that’s amazing.

“I’m told it sounded good all around the Piazza. It certainly sounded good from where I was.

“We’re very happy to be raising money for a very worthwhile cause.”

The flash show followed performances by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Pipe Band, zumba dancing and an Elvis impersonator on the PIazza.

One shopper, Alison Hart, of Kirkburton, said: “It was a shock but the singers did sound great”.

The morning’s events promoted the charity’s gala concert which took place at Huddersfield Town Hall, on Saturday night.

It featured performances from Gledholt, Marsh Ladies’ Choir and the Brighouse and Rastrick Band, led by world-famous conductor Prof David King .

Phil Brew, secretary of the Gledholt choir, helped organise the shows.

The Rev Brew said: “The Hollybank Trust is our main charity and this year it’s our total focus.”

The Hollybank Trust, Mirfield, provides accommodation and support for young people and adults with profound disabilities.

The trust also has homes at Holmfirth, Illingworth, Barnsley and South Kirkby.

The trust’s new two-storey children’s home, which will have 16 en-suite bedrooms, is expected to be completed next Spring.

For details visit: www.hollybanktrust.com