THE DORSET Police Male Voice Choir are continuing to support charitable causes, have raised over £300,000 since their formation.

Formed in 1995, the choir has performed in many concert venues throughout Dorset and the South West. The singing group have also toured internationally, having performed in France, Ireland and the USA, but are always looking for new members.

Clive Leonard, Chairman of the Dorset Police MVC, said: “The choir has 40 members who are a mix of retired police officers and members of the wider population.

“It is not a requirement of joining that you are, or have been, a police officer. We would like to have serving officers in the choir but shift patterns make it difficult for them to attend rehearsals on a regular basis.

“Anyone can sing, but those who is willing to join needs to show commitment. We’ve tried to recruit in the past and we usually get the same cop out which is a shame.”

Whilst the choir are affiliated with the Dorset Police, it is in fact a registered charity. As well as running their own annual concert, the choir host benefit concerts to raise money for a specific cause.

Although the choir are supported the police in the promotion of events and the printing of leaflets, they don’t receive any direct financial income from them.

Clive continues: “We help as much as we can, whether its raising money for a charity or a church who wants its roof repaired.

“We rely on funding form our own subscriptions, the sales of our CDs, gift aid and donations.”

If you would like to fin out more about being part of the choir or upcoming events, visit https://www.dorsetpolicemalevoicechoir.co.uk/.