A CHOIR which trains in Tidworth have been given the Royal seal of approval.

The Invictus Games Choir took to the stage at the Royal Variety Performance to entertain Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The eight veterans, which rehearse at the Tedworth House Recovery Centre, performed their rendition of the national anthem at the London Palladium.

The Invictus Games Choir is a UK community choir made up of wounded, injured. sick, serving and veteran personnel from all services who participate in the choir as part of their recovery journey.

One of those who was Matt Lyons, who served in the Royal Logistics Corps for 26 years.

Matt was medically discharged after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder caused by his experiences in Afghanistan.

He first became involved with Help for Heroes and the Invictus Games Choir to get him out of the house and boost his confidence.

He said: “I’ve made friends for life, I’ve gained confidence; singing fills me with a sense of joy and warmth and I can forget all of the bad things that have happened.”

Thrilled to perform at the Royal Variety Performance 2018, Matt says the highlight of the evening was “getting the royal thumbs up from Prince Harry.”

He added: “I was overcome with emotion, to be on stage with so many great and professional performers was immense.”

Supported by Help for Heroes, the choir’s rehearsals and performance opportunities give its members the opportunity to regain the sense of purpose and direction they left behind and to be part of a “family” again after losing the camaraderie they had while serving or during their discharge process.