A super Suffolk choir whose music has ranked in the charts alongside Ed Sheeran and Craig David is launching a brand new group in Stowmarket.

Pop Chorus, a feel-good community choir founded in 2012, has grown to almost 300 members since its first group was formed in Framlingham. With a no-audition policy and informal rehearsals, it now has branches all over Suffolk, including Kesgrave, Felixstowe and Ipswich.

Yula Andrews, choir director and Pop Chorus founder, said: “Pop Chorus started in 2012 with just 8 singers, and it’s been an amazing success story. The key has been that it’s full of the loveliest people you could hope to meet. Newcomers are often slightly nervous when they come along to give it a try, but it’s such a friendly, supportive environment that opens up a whole new world for people. And there is nothing as thrilling as being part of a big group letting rip with a catchy tune!

“We’re really lucky to have Sue York to run the new Stowmarket group. Sue’s got a great ear for harmony and is an experienced leader, and she’s one of these characters who really brings people together.”

The choir also has links with St Elizabeth Hospice, and last year landed in the official UK singles download chart at number 65 with their debut charity single ‘Always’.

More than 130 choir members featured on the single, composed by David Simon and produced by Ian Curnow, which uses words from hospice patients about what the service means to them.

Members presented a cheque for over £5,000 to charity chief executive Mark Millar at their sell-out concert at the town’s Corn Exchange in July 2017.

The new choir will meet from 7.30-9.30pm on Thursday evenings. Sessions will begin on April 19 and run through term time at the Stowmarket Community Centre – and new members are welcome to join at any time during the first term.