TALENTED Rayleigh singers made the most of an amazing opportunity when they impressed celebrity judges on a television talent show.

Vocalists from the Essex branch of The Big Sing choir appeared on the renowned Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday evening.

Joined by singers from other Big Sing choirs the harmonising ensemble performed Brighter Days by Emeli Sande.

Wowed by their performance, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli gave the choir four ‘yes’ votes, sending them through to the next round.

Big Sing is made up of choirs across Essex, Kent and Warwickshire including the one which meets in Rayleigh.

Member Chelby Newman said singing with the choir has given her so many memories and has become “a big part” of her life.

She said: “I joined this choir seven years ago and I genuinely don’t know what I would do without it.

“It’s been such a support for me over the years and helped me through so many tough times and given me so many happy memories.

“I’ve made amazing friends and I really cannot praise the people and the music enough.”

The Big Sing auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent back in January and Chloe now hopes their appearance on the show will inspire people to join a choir.

The Big Sing was founded in 2011 by Gemma and Howard Francis, who were on stage for the audition. The married couple remain in charge of The Big Sing and choose songs for all the choirs to learn together. While the choirs do combine for mass performances, they also perform individually.

According to Lucy, each of the choirs have between 20-70 members depending on when they were established.

Gemma, director of The Big Sing said: “When we had this opportunity to sing on one of the UK’s largest shows we just had to take it.

“Our choir is all about ordinary people achieving amazing things together.”

To find out more visit big-sing.com.