A CHOIR formed through an organisation which helps welcome Syrian refugees to County Durham is releasing a new album.

Durham City of Sanctuary, a charity which has been working with Syrians fleeing their country, started the music project earlier this year.

Working with musician Sam Slatcher, from Durham, they have now recorded an album, inspired by Syrian and North-East folk tunes, which will be released on November 9.

The choir put on a performance in front of 170 people at Durham Cathedral last month.

Mr Slatcher said: “Everyone was very supportive and it was very emotional in a lot of ways.

“We’ve had really positive feedback from everyone. There was a real sense of pride and achievement in the choir.”

The performance included guest musician Raghad Haddad, from the National Syrian Orchestra, and hurdy gurdy player Paul Martin.

They are putting on another concert in London on November 11th, they day before taking part in a Sanctuary in Parliament event, bringing together similar groups from across the country.

A tour is planned for March, with concerts planned for Newton Aycliffe, Stockton and Newcastle.

The album is available from www.samslatcher.bandcamp.com and costs £10, of which £5 will go to City of Sanctuary.