A CHOIR with a membership as diverse as its repertoire will celebrate 25 years of harmony next weekend the only way it knows how.

Wantage Male Voice Choir will raise the roof at the Beacon in Wantage next Saturday night at their anniversary concert.

The group's set ranges from traditional folk songs such as Men of Harlech to 1960s pop by The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel.

Although there are no founders in the current line-up, many current members have been singing for more than 20 years.

Chairman Jeff Miles said their dedication was a testament to the lasting friendships and comradery forged in the choir.

Speaking ahead of the big gig, he said: "We've got an Oxford University professor who is an international expert in forestry, I was an international marketing and sales director, and we've got guys who worked on the line at British Leyland in Oxford, farmers, decorators and ex-military.

"The mixture is extremely broad and we have people coming from a 10-mile radius.

"A lot of our members have singing in their families – their fathers or grandfathers did it – but there is also fellowship and friendship. We are a caring bunch and we look after each other."

Over the past two-and-a-half decades, Wantage Male Voice Choir hassung at the Royal Albert Hall, Wells Cathedral and London's Hyde Park.

They have also performed hundreds of afternoon concerts at care homes in and around Wantage.

In the past year they have gone from strength to strength with their permanent musical director, Judith Sawyer and accompanist Lorraine Chapman.

Dr Miles added: "Both of them work tirelessly to provide the leadership and support required and this has enabled us to add additional music to our already extensive repertoire."

He said the highlight of the past 12 months had been joining with the Didcot Divas and Charity Opera at Trinity Church, Abingdon, for a fundraising concert that raised £1,800 for the Oxfordshire Branch of the Alzheimer's Society.

The choir rehearses each week at the Hanney War Memorial Hall on a Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. New members are always welcome.

Next Saturday, the group will be joined for their birthday bash by local musical duo Two Blokes and a Piano with their version of Flanders and Swann.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets, £10, are available from Rowes Newsmarket, Wantage, and Brett's Pharmacy, Grove.

Some of the proceeds will be donated to the Sweatbox youth club in Wantage.

To find out more about the choir call Dr Miles on 01235 868327, email jeffreymiles@btinternet.com or go to wantagemalevoicechoir.org.uk