A CHOIR aimed at people who think they can’t sing is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special concert.

The Durham Scratch Choir started two decades ago as a Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) class, with the aim of encouraging people to take up singing.

The group began with African rounds, and songs from across the globe still make up a large part of its repertoire.

Over the past 20 years, it has performed at Durham Town Hall, Old Durham Gardens, the Sage Gateshead and alongside the London Community Gospel Choir at the Gala Theatre.

It has supported St Cuthbert’s Hospice and Willow Burn Hospice and was part of the musical celebration of the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to Durham in 2013.

Conductor and director Andy Jackson was previously involved with the Durham People’s Choir and the Durham People’s Opera group.

The Scratch Choir has performed Mr Jackson’s Gospel Requiem, which presents some thoughts about death from a humanist perspective.

A 20th anniversary concert will be held at North Road Methodist Church, North Road, Durham, on Saturday, March 19 at 7pm. The programme will include popular music by John Lennon and James, classical songs and sacred music, folk and traditional tunes from around the world, songs from the musicals War Horse and Singin’ in the Rain and compositions and arrangements by Mr Jackson.

Tickets, priced £5 including refreshments, are available from choir members, at the door or by calling 07876 747186.

The choir has about 70 members and meets on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm at North Road Methodist Church, where average attendance is about 40.

It still prides itself on being open to anyone and everyone. For more information, visit durhamscratchchoir.moonfruit.com