A CHOIR which was inspired by a trip to the cinema will be performing on TV as part of a new show with Britain’s favourite choirmaster.

Mums in Durham is taking part in Gareth Malone’s new BBC programme, and appear in the first show next week.

The group, which is based in Bearpark, near Durham City, has been singing together for around 18 months and met through an online support group for mums in the area.

Mum-of-three Rachael Gibson, 40, from Crook, said: “I had been to see Pitch Perfect 2 with my daughter and I’ve always liked singing so I just asked if anyone wanted to start a choir and it’s gone from there.

“We didn’t have a choir director and not many of us had experience of confidence to any sort of performance. In April we saw a tweet saying they were looking for a choir and we thought it would be a laugh.

“We didn’t have much focus so it was a little project to push ourselves.”

As part of The Choir: Gareth’s Best in Britain, groups from across the country will be competing against each other as part of the search for Britain’s most entertaining amateur choirs.

The popular choirmaster visited the group for a rehearsal at Bearpark Community Centre to give them help and advice.

Choir member Helen Pace, 25, from Durham City, said: “We hadn’t performed at all before this but there’s nothing like going in at the deep end. Even my partner had never heard me sing before.

“When Gareth came to watch us sing it was quite nerve-racking but we tried to take everything on board.

“It’s been absolutely fantastic for us and it’s really brought out the best in us. We’re all so proud of how far we’ve come and having the confidence to do something like this.”

Mrs Gibson added: “Between us we have 20 children which can make it difficult to get us all together but it makes it all the more special because it’s something we can do for ourselves and by ourselves. It makes the rehearsals more special.

“The rest of the girls have become like family.

“It’s like therapy really - even if we’ve had a bad day it always makes us feel better.”

Mums in Durham is appearing on The Choir: Gareth’s Best in Britain, which starts on BBC 2 at 9pm on Tuesday, November 1.