A BASINGSTOKE choir which launched a decade ago celebrated its milestone anniversary with a special concert at The Anvil.

Members of Basingstoke and Fleet Rock Choirs joined together to mark their 10 years, putting on a show-stopping performance for family, friends and the general public.

The musical spectacle thrilled the audience who were dancing in the aisles by the end of the show.

The 250-strong choir sang a range of tunes including hits from the past such as Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Dancing in the Street, as well as current pop songs including Shut Up and Dance With Me and This is Me.

Accompanied for the first time by a live band, the choir wowed the audience with their rendition of Hallelujah and left them wanting more as they sang their final number, Don't Stop Me Now.

The show also marked their leader Glen Harvey's tenth year with Rock Choir.

Glen, who runs a number of choirs in including Wokingham and Fleet, conducted the choir during the performance, and also showed off his own musical talents.

Glen was joined by Rock Choir members who have been with him from the start, to sing Elton John's Something About the Way You Look Tonight.

With Glen playing the guitar and singing lead vocals, his choir members accompanied him in an emotional performance highlighting their dedication to him over the last decade.

Anne Thomas, who joined Basingstoke Rock Choir in 2011, said: "I walked through the doors at Cranbourne School eight years ago and it was the best decision I have ever made. I was immediately made to feel welcome and at home and I have never looked back. It has given me the most amazing experiences and I have made friends for life.

"With Glen as the best leader we could wish for I can't imagine my life without Rock Choir."

The 67-year-old described performing at The Anvil as "a fantastically uplifting and emotional experience".

Claire Mahoney, who joined in 2017, said: "I have met some amazing people and couldn't imagine not being part of it."

The 47-year-old, whose daughter Ashleigh also attends, added: "Glen is just the best and makes it so much fun for everyone."

New choir member Becky Head faced a huge challenge learning 24 songs for The Anvil show after joining in January.

The 36-year-old was on a high following the performance, and said: "It was amazing to be on stage with so many like-minded and talented people, singing our hearts out all under the wonderful guidance of Glen without whom it would not have been possible to learn so many songs in such a short space of time. The audience were amazing and the atmosphere electric. I didn't stop smiling and am still buzzing."

Marilyn Gilligan joined Basingstoke Rock Choir on the very first day, and said: “In my younger days I’d always loved performing with the school choir, baton twirling and dancing and thought those days were well and truly over but joining Basingstoke Rock Choir changed all that.”

The 57-year-old added: “It’s been an amazing 10 years and our performance at The Anvil was right up there with the best.”

Rock Choir was founded by Caroline Redman Lusher in Farnham in 2005, offering the general public the chance to sing pop, rock and chart songs with no entry audition and no requirements to read music or have any previous singing experience.

It now has more than 31,500 members across the UK.