IT'S been a long time in the wings but, finally, Hereford has a co-ordinated voice group.

Twenty-two talented singers, aged between 11 and 18, have joined together under the leadership of Neil Pigott and Alison Houlbrooke, as The Voice Squad.

"It's a real team," said Neil. "A group of similar ability singers with a strength and balance of harmony."

With Neil's love of Eastern European, African and gospel music, and Alison's predilection for North American, folk and blues, the children will gain experience of many different types of music.

The choir is made up of pupils from Aylestone, Whitecross, St Mary's and John Masefield schools and Hereford Sixth Form College. New members will be welcomed after Easter.

An inherent joy of singing and music making are key, and both leaders emphasise the need to 'sing out'.

"The music we sing demands a high level of musicianship - lots of acappella and unaccompanied singing," Alison said.

"We're experimenting with the vocal timbre."

Both leaders share an understanding that this kind of singing involves the whole body.

It's an exciting step for the county, and one that has been supported by The Music Pool and Arts Council West Midlands.

"You can see this thing has a future," said Neil, who stepped down as leader of The Fire Choir at the end of last year.

"The idea has been in the can for the past two years, but it's Alison that made it happen."

l You have the opportunity to hear The Voice Squad on Tuesday evening at St John's Methodist Church, St Owen Street, when it opens the concert by world music ensemble, Northern Harmony.

They will also be participating in an afternoon workshop at Hereford Sixth Form College on February 28, singing at The Courtyard Saturday caf on April 3 and performing with The Fire Choir at Belmont Abbey on June 16. For further details contact Neil on 07796 140394.