A NEW singing group is being launched in Thornbury by the founder of community choirs already established in Chipping Sodbury and Wotton-under-Edge.

Liz Martin is setting up the group at The Chantry, Castle Street, and stresses it is open to anyone.

She said: "The groups are very relaxed, very informal. There are no auditions and you don't need to be able to read music.

"You don't need to be an experienced singer - as long as you like singing and want to sing."

Ms Martin described the music as harmony singing from around the world.

The group's first meeting will be on Tuesday, January 18 (9.30-11am).

"People can just come along and see," she explained.

Meanwhile the Chipping Sodbury group, Voices Together, is returning after the festive break today (9.45am).

The Wotton-under-Edge group, Round The Edge, is starting back on Monday (8pm). For the next two months the group will meet at the United Church, Bradley Street, while building works take place at the town's arts centre.

Each group meets on a weekly basis.