THE Twyford Singers have marked their 50-year milestone with two celebratory events.

On March 16, the choir exhibited their vocal prowess at Chandler's Ford Methodist Church with the principal performance of 'Freedom!

The Power of Song', a community choral piece by Alexander L’Estrange and Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, was accompanied by the Twyford School Junior Choir and the 'Call Me Al Quintet' under accomplished conductor, David Hall.

The event enabled the choir to raise more than £500 for the Hampshire Air Ambulance. On March 23, the singers hosted a 50th-anniversary tea party at the scenic Mulberry Pavilion at Twyford School.

Close to 80 current and previous members, including founding singers Isabel Gray and Vanda Watson, rejoiced with music-themed entertainment and cake-cutting.

Both Isabel and Vanda were acknowledged for their loyalty with certificates presented by Derek Beck, former conductor and President of the choir.

The choir's upcoming engagement is their annual participation in the Hampshire Choral Festival on May 18, where they will be performing alongside other local choirs at Romsey Abbey.

The Twyford Singers, initially a 30-member choir was founded in 1974 under Dr Alwyn Surplice, and now boasts double their initial count of members.