TAKE a handful of Motown hits, add in some Gospel and stir with a good mix of pop and rock and roll.

The end result is a spectacular concert from the hugely talented Courage to Sing Taunton Pop-Rock Choir in aid of the Samaritans.

The choir has been delighting audiences in Taunton and the surrounding area for nearly four years.

It meets on a weekly basis during term time for rehearsals in St James Church Hall, St James Street and has performed at weddings, funerals, concerts and parties as well as putting on its own annual concert.

Now the members are putting their best voices forward to raise funds for the Samaritans at The Wyvern Club, Mountfields Road in Taunton.

The choir’s musical director, Lorrayn de Peyer said: "The Samaritans is a registered charity which is completely self-funded by donations and community action like this concert.

"There are 201 branches across the UK and one of those is in Taunton where a choir member is a volunteer.

"We wanted to help because the Samaritans offer confidential support around the clock to anyone that wants to talk through their problems. It gets in the region of 5 million calls a year from people of all walks of life; demographic backgrounds, ages and ethnic groups. People can talk to a Samaritan on the phone anytime they like, in their own way, and off the record - about whatever’s getting to them."

You don’t need to be an experienced singer to join the choir, you just need to want to experience the uplifting feeling of the great music the choir sings. There are no auditions.

Added Lorrayn: "Our unique approach uses personal development techniques to boost confidence, self-esteem, healing, and leadership and team building skills because in these changing times we are always facing new challenges that our choirs and approach can help with."

The choir meets every Thursday evening from 7-8.30pm during term time at St James Church Hall, St James St, Taunton.

Samaritans Taunton benefit concert. Thursday June 30 at 7.45pm. Tickets £7 at the door

The Wyvern Club, Mountfields Road.

For more information please email info@thecouragetosing.co.uk, call 01297 792874 or visit www.thecouragetosing.co.uk