COMMUNITY choir Voices of Yorkshire, currently appearing at festive events across the area, has brought out its first Christmas album.

By 'Eck It's Christmas, which was recorded back in the summer, includes festive favourites from the classic 'White Christmas' and a folky version of 'Auld Lang Syne' to Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 'The Power of Love'.

The album is available on streaming platforms, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to Dementia UK - the choir's charity for 2023.

Over the year, Voices of Yorkshire, which has choirs in Bingley, Pudsey, Skipton, Menston, Oakworth, and Silsden, has performed on stage, including with a Beatles tribute band in Ilkley; and at galas, events and festivals.

The singers are currently finishing off the year with its 'Christmas tour' appearing at several towns for the switching on of festive lights, including in Skipton and Haworth.

It was back in February when the choir's founder, Nick Ingram, started work on the Christmas album.

After choosing the tracks and arranging the harmonies he handed them over to choir members to learn.

The singers were joined by Showkids who sang Sparkle and Shine from Nativity.

Rehearsal day was in the height of summer, with singers arriving in summer dresses and flip-flops, and the recording took place at Victoria Hall, Keighley, when everyone went along in festive accessories to get them in the mood.

Nick Ingram and Sally Lawrence, of Voices of Yorkshire, said: "We were absolutely blown away by the standard of the singing, which just gets better and better every week. Our singers had worked hard learning the songs over the summer holidays and they sounded fantastic.

"The harmonies were tight and we were delighted with the result. We've been incredibly lucky to work with producer Andy Thornton who some people may know from the band, The Guiseley Brothers. Andy has worked tirelessly to turn our idea of releasing a charity Christmas album into something we are all super proud of. Andy has travelled the world with his work and has an incredible professional portfolio - we feel very lucky that he was available to work with us and go above and beyond for Voices of Yorkshire for another year running."

Nick and Sally added: "We would like to thank their incredible singers for their dedication and hard work. They always give 100 per cent, they look after each other and they sound fantastic. Their love and kindness shines through in their voices and they are the embodiment of what Voices of Yorkshire is all about."

Find out more about the choir,  joining and booking, visit: www.voicesofyorkshire.com