A GROUP of novice male singers in Kendal has been turned into a choir to raise money for men's cancer charities.

The Kendal Men United choir is now preparing for a special concert on Friday next week at Kendal Rugby Club.

The choir of around 20 men - most of whom had little or no experience of singing in a choir - was formed last September by Doug Armitage, of the K Shoes Male Voice Choir to perform a concert in aid of men's cancer charities Prostate Cancer UK and Orchid.

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Its members range in age from those in their twenties to retirees and include teachers, engineers and builders.

After just eight rehearsals, under the guidance of choir leader Ian Penwarden-Allan and with support from Doug and Graham Dalzell of KSMVC, Kendal Men United made their singing debut at the K Shoes Male Voice Choir Christmas concert, performing alongside the K Shoes choir and local women's choir Otto Voce.

They were introduced as 'Britain's newest male choir' and their repertoire included a medley of spirituals, a traditional Finnish chant and a contemporary ballad.

The songs were delivered with gusto and demonstrated their ability to sing complex harmonies and canons.

Sadly Doug did not get to see it, as a week before he died following a short illness.

One of the choir, Nick Jones, 58, of Kendal told the Gazette: "I had no previous singing experience but heard about the choir and decided to give it a go.

"I thoroughly enjoyed learning the songs with a group of like-minded people. I found it engaging and it's all in a good cause."

Now, armed with some new songs in its repertoire, Kendal Men United will perform with K Shoes Male Voice Choir on Friday, February 23, at Kendal Rugby Club at 7pm.

Tickets cost £5 and proceeds will go to the two charities. They are available at the door or form choir members.