A THEATRE director and The Northern Echo’s editor will be among the judges looking for the region’s best community choir this Christmas.

The Cornmill Shopping Centre, in Darlington, is hosting a Sing to Win contest giving choirs the chance to scoop a £1,000 prize and the opportunity to perform at the town’s Christmas lights switch-on ceremony next year.

The final takes place at the Cornmill on December 18 and will be judged by a panel featuring the director of Darlington Civic Theatre, Lynda Winstanley, Northern Echo editor Peter Barron, Star Radio boss John Clayton and Cornmill Centre manager Susan Young.

Heats for the event begin on November 27 at the centre, with further rounds held on the subsequent Thursdays of December 4 and 11.

Mrs Winstanley said: “I am thrilled to have been invited to become a member of the panel of judges for Cornmill’s chorus competition.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the wealth of singing talent there is in the region.

“Belonging to a choir is such a great way to make friends, express yourself and entertain others.”

Mr Barron, who is also the president of the Darlington Operatic Society, said: “As possibly the worst singer in the history of Darlington Operatic Society, I may not appear to be adequately qualified to judge a choir competition, but I know what sounds good and I’m looking forward to hearing the contestants make their bid for glory.”

Visitors to the centre can cast their votes for their favourite acts in store as well as through the Cornmill’s Facebook page, building up to the all-important final.