MEMBERS of a Halesowen choir have raised £3k for a girls brigade group through a series of performances - even meeting celebrity Alison Hammond along the way.

Lutley Community Voices presented the 61st Birmingham Girls Brigade with a cheque on Thursday (July 21).

The group is a Christian organisation which has been meeting every Tuesday at Providence Church Smethwick for more than 70 years and welcomes all girls regardless of race or religion.

It provides a safe environment for girls to meet new friends and take part in varying activities in an area known for its drug and gang culture.

Lutley choir's spokeswoman Jeanette Greenway said: "Lutley Community Voices have had a fantastic year with their performances.

"They raised over £1k from their concert at Life Central Church Halesowen in June with The Gentlemen Songsters.

"Alison Hammond's sister Saundra Page is in the choir so Alison came along to the performance - she was lovely and friendly.

"The rest of the money has been raised from other performances.

"It was lovely to be able to help the girls brigade group as they do such great work."

The choir rehearses at Lutley Primary School in Halesowen on Thursdays from 7.45pm till 9.15pm. Subs are £3.25 per rehearsal, or £35.75 per term.

Anyone interested in joining can e mail lutleycommunityvoices@hotmail.co.uk.