A FOLK duo from Salisbury, a rapper from Swindon, and a 100-year-old war veteran are among who came together last week to commemorate the First World War.

To mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, the 120-strong choir was assembled by BBC Wiltshire for a one off performance of the World War One song ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’.

The county has a strong military heritage and listeners were quick to heed the station’s call for volunteers.

Included in the choir were folk duo Antoine and Owena from near Salisbury; a pair of Gospel Singers from Swindon; Mike GT, a rapper also from Swindon and a singer-songwriter from Box.

Also raising the roof at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon were the Salisbury Chamber Chorus, the Carers Choir, Military Wives, West Wiltshire Singers and Harold MacDonald, a 100-year-old war veteran.

They were backed by an orchestra which included members of Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra and the West of England Youth Orchestra.

The team performed the song ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’, which during the First World War became an anthem for the families of service people holding the torch in the UK.

BBC Wiltshire editor Mary Sanders said: “It was a really inspiring and moving day. All the singers and musicians had been practicing individually but this was the first time everyone came together. It really showed how many different communities and voices Wiltshire has.

“To have so many people together in such a great space, performing such an iconic song was incredible.

“The military is a really big and important part of our county and so many people here have links to those who’ve served.