A REVAMP of a long-established Huddersfield choir was a big hit.

Hundreds packed into Holy Trinity Church to the inaugural concert of Huddersfield Voices – the new name for Huddersfield Methodist Choir.

Organisers decided to change the name as many members of the public thought of it as a religious organisation.

Although there are still Methodists in the choir, there are also Church of England and Catholic choristers, as well as others with no religious persuasion.

And the revamp saw people of all ages come forward, with several offering to join the new-look choir.

Vice-president Sandra Harling said: “It was a great success.

“The church was very busy and we had people there from families with young babies up to people in their 80s.

“A number have expressed interest in joining us and we would welcome others in the coming weeks and months”.

The mixed voice choir was formed in 1948 when choirs from local chapels joined together for a performance of Messiah to celebrate the end of the war.

The inaugural concert featured a varied programme with items ranging from Sanctus and The Lord Is my Shepherd to You Raise Me Up, Carolina Moon and an Irving Berlin selection.

Audience participation was encouraged and the concert featured contributions from four soloists – Meg Hanscombe, Angela Griffiths, Malcolm Hinchliffe and Eric Cooper.

The new choir’s next big venture is The Messiah, at Huddersfield Town Hall on December 6, followed by a free Christmas concert at Gledholt Methodist Church on December 14.

Anyone interested in joining the choir can contact Sandra Harling on 01484 511400 or Lynne Rhodes on 01484 542257.

There is also a website www.huddersfieldvoices.org with details.