Shropshire singers land Gareth Malone's choir title

The Severn Trent Choir claimed victory with its rendition of Feeling Good by Nina Simone in last night's final of the BBC 2 series.

Among the 30 members of the choir were Gemma Hughes, Charlie Spencer and Andy Thompson, all from Telford.

But before they could celebrate, they faced their biggest challenge as they performed in front of an audience of thousands at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen on the Shropshire border.

Charlie, from St Georges, Telford, said the final had been 'amazing'.

"It was the biggest audience we've performed to but we got a lot of friends and family and work colleagues in the audience to support us," she said.

The 27-year-old, who works in Shifnal, said despite spending most of the day knee-deep in mud and wrapped up in rain ponchos because of the weather, they had all enjoyed the experience.

"None of us expected to win. We went is as the underdogs," she said.

"We knew we'd done the best we possibly could, but we didn't think we'd be able to get from there to winning the final. We all went a bit crazy when the judges said we'd won."

The show has seen London Symphony Orchestra choirmaster Mr Malone attempt to pick out people in everyday jobs and transform them into members of a successful choir.

Judges Ruby Turner, Ralph Allwood and Manvinder Rattan complimented the choir members on their confidence on stage, fantastic singing and overall accomplished performance, and in the end came to a unanimous decision to announce Severn Trent as the winners.

Charlie said she was grateful for the experience.

She said: "Gareth coming to Severn Trent gave me a choir I wanted to join with lots of excitement.

"I have gained a lot of confidence, not just in my voice but in all aspects of my life."