A YEAR after it first opened its doors, Winchester Fusion Choir is celebrating the launch of its third group.

When the choir first formed last April it had just three members, but now boasts over 50, and has had to open a further two sessions to cope with demand.

The latest of those started on Thursday evening (April 24), at The Discovery Centre on Jewry Street.

Choir leader, Marie O’Brien, originally started as a singer in the Eastleigh Fusion Choir three years ago, and moved up the ranks to take over when their leader left.

She said that after some encouragement and support from the Eastleigh choir, who celebrate their fifth birthday this month, she felt confident enough to bring the community group to Winchester.

“When people come together to sing they form a community, and that is something amazing,” she said.

“It’s incredible when people come out to sing because they feel better.”

A therapist by day, Mrs O’Brien leads the 50 strong group on Fridays at 1.30pm at the Discovery Centre, breaks for an hour and leads the second group at 4pm.

On May 17 the choir is holding a charity concert at Milner Hall on St Peter Street, and for more information go to winchesterfusionchoir.co.uk.