A CHOIR hit by Covid has risen from the ashes to keep on singing.

Music lovers were devastated when their Tuesday sessions in Knutsford were cancelled and vowed to stay together as a group.

"We were heartbroken," said singer Sue Stimpson. "We had built up such good friendships, we wanted to keep singing together."

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During the summer, they continued to meet in member Fiona Gold's garden, formed a committee and began to search for a new venue and a musical director.

Singers were delighted when acclaimed conductor Ian Chesworth agreed to join them.

Phoenix Voices sprang into life in November and is looking forward to an exciting year in 2022.

"We are thrilled that we have achieved so much in such a short space of time," said Sue, who runs a cleaning business with husband Dave.

"We have risen from the ashes."

Phoenix Voices

Phoenix Voices rise from the ashes to form a new choir

Choral director and singing coach Ian, from Arley, is a lead musician with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

He works with several choirs and teamed up with Gareth Malone on the BBC TV programme Sing While You Work.

Ian leads singing sessions to help people with mental health issues.

"If you're feeling low, singing with a group perks you up," said Sue, who has three grown-up children.

"The feeling you get is absolutely fantastic. It really improves your mental health."

The choir meets every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9pm in an upstairs private function room at the Angel Hotel on King Street and is keen to recruit new members.

Sue said: "We're a friendly bunch who take great pleasure from making music and lots of us stay behind afterwards for a drink and a chat. We're always there for each other.

"You don't need to audition, be able to read music or even by an expert singer. You just need to enjoy singing with others.

"Our repertoire is wide ranging and includes popular numbers and songs from the movies and musicals."

Any age and ability is welcome.

"We're hoping to get involved in community events and raise funds for local charities," said Sue. "We hope to be bigger and better than ever in 2022."

Anyone interested in joining can email phoenix-voices-knutsford@outlook.com.

The first taster session is free.