AN uplifting performance was music to the ears of a Herefordshire hospice.

St Michael's Hospice held its Big Tea Summer event during which the Hospice Community Choir took centre stage.

The event took place at the Powell Theatre in Church Street, Hereford as part of the Three Choirs Plus Festival, which includes musical and non-musical activities that take place alongside the traditional Three Choirs Festival.

The choir was joined by soprano Emily Prosser, harpist Bronwen Wilkins, and seven-year-old primary schoolchildren Abbie Hinksman and Louis Ansfield.

The audience was treated to renditions of songs including an emotional performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

The Hospice's head of retail, Nicola Wood, has been singing with the choir since it first came together 18 months ago.

"We try and practice every two weeks," she said.

"It's an opportunity for socialising with people who are connected to the hospice, volunteers, husbands and wives all mixing.

"I think all our practice has paid off because I have had so many people telling me how well it sounded and how much they enjoyed the music."

One of the highlights of the event was the performance of the new hospice fundraising anthem, written by choir leader and fundraising administrator, Denise Bishop.

"The anthem is a little jingle that we can take anywhere, to any event, and encourage people to give to their hospice.

"It's very light-hearted and is all about showing people just how much fun fundraising can be."