A FLOURISHING Halesowen choir is preparing for a breakthrough year in 2014 and is appealing for new members to help it hit the high notes.

Lutley Community Voices was formed two years ago and is preparing to stage its own concerts after earning rave reviews.

The choir, which is based at Lutley Primary School, performed with Britain's Got Talent finalist Julian Smith, sang carols outside ASDA in Halesowen and entertained visitors at Bewdley Museum.

Music director Margaret Jones is delighted with the success of the choir.

She said: "2013 was an exciting year as we have grown considerably in size and now have approximately 50 members.

"As well as the enjoyment gained from singing together, the choir has also developed socially and is a community in more than just name."

The choir also took part in Sing for all – Community Spirit at Birmingham Town Hall in May joining more established groups including Black Voices, Lichfield Choir and Quinton Choir.

She added: "In 2014 the choir will be working towards staging a concert independently for the first time, and to this end, rehearsals will begin again on Thursday, January 9 with the aim of learning a range of new music to add to old favourites we have performed in the past two years.

"Our repertoire covers a range of styles, including pop, songs from the stage and screen, gospel and folk, we always welcome new members and no previous experience of singing in a choir or reading music is necessary."

Rehearsals take place every Thursday during term time at Lutley Primary School, Brookwillow Road, between 8pm and 9.15pm, for more information email lutleycommunityvoices@hotmail.co.uk.