The founder of a new choir in Althorne is encouraging residents from the village and its surrounding areas - including Maldon - to join and find a new community amongst its members.

Claire Furley is launching Every Voice Choir for residents next week, after running choirs for around 25 years and living in Althorne for the past five years.

She said: "It's something I've wanted to do in this particular area for such a long time.

"I've been desperate to start one, so I thought that now everything is opening up again it would finally be the right time to do so."

Claire is well-acquainted with the healing power of music, and wants her inclusive community choir to be there for residents to improve their mental health.

She said: "It's such good therapy - there's so many issues with mental health these days, and I know from my own struggles that one of the things that has saved me many times is the fact that I'm involved in music.

"It really lifts you."

It will be vital, she said, in the coming months.

"Going into the winter months, people really need something to focus on that will bring them joy as it can be a very difficult time," she said.

Claire, who has also been teaching singing for many years, wants everyone to feel welcome in her choir.

"People have told me that they were told in junior school that they weren't good enough to be in the choir - the damage that does to someone is unbelievable, it's such a knock to their confidence.

"My only criteria for people joining the choir is that they enjoy singing.

"It's about relaxing and becoming part of a community of like-minded people who all enjoy singing."

The choir has an exciting future ahead, as it has already received bookings from two venues to perform at their Christmas events.

It will cover a wide range of musical styles and sing pieces arranged to suit choir members.

Claire said: "It's so important for people to know that whatever your standard of singing is - however you feel about singing - just come along, join in and have a wonderful time."

Every Voice Choir will be meeting at St Andrew's Church, on Fambridge Road in Althorne, from Thursday, 30 September - it costs £3 per week to attend, which includes a cup of tea and a biscuit.

The choir will meet every Thursday, from 12.45pm to 2.15pm and from 7.15pm to 8.45pm.

For more information and to register your interest, contact Claire on 07852 135918 or [email protected].