A GIRLS’ choir has been picked to perform alongside Brit Award-winning classical group Blake.

Wenhaston Girls’ Choir will perform at the group’s Lowestoft Marina gig on October 15. Choir manager Julie Liddiard said: “After a fantastic season performing at Ely Cathedral, at our own cabaret show, as well as at concerts and weddings, being selected to sing with Blake is a fantastic reward for all the girls’ hard work.”

The 16-strong choir of 12 to 18-plus-year-olds – who rehearse in Halesworth – was formed more than 10 years ago to give girls the chance to perform in a professionally-run choir.

Under the musical directorship of Rob Goodrich, they sing everything from medieval to Michael Jackson. They will join Blake to sing Nessun Dorma, Jerusalem and Hallelujah on the night. Choir member Katie Liddiard, 16, said: “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of singing with Blake. We have a lot of fun at rehearsals and have all worked really hard to achieve a high standard.”

Blake came up with the idea of involving choirs on their current UK tour after visiting schools across the country. “The kids really engaged with what we did and we were blown away by the talent and confidence of some of them in the mock X-Factor auditions we held. With all that singing talent we just couldn’t understand why choirs weren’t as popular as they used to be,” said baritone Jules Knight.

Tenor Oliver Baines said they thought about how to involve school and community choirs in the live shows, adding: “Getting some of the choirs up on stage with us will be a great experience for them and us.”

Six months after reuniting as friends on Facebook, Blake – also including bass baritone Stephen Bowman and tenor Humphrey Berney – saw their debut go to number one in the UK classical album chart, number 18 in the UK pop album chart and went on to win the Brit for album of the year.