A SINGING group for people with long-term health conditions has received enough funds to hire a professional singer.

Salisbury Breathless Choir has received £1,000 from housebuilders Persimmon Homes South Coast, as part of its Community Champions scheme to boost projects in the area.

The choir launched in 2017 to teach those suffering with lung conditions how to control their breathing through singing, and the recent donation will go towards a new leader for the group.

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Olivia McLennan, spokeswoman for the choir, is "thrilled" about the news, adding: “Many of the participants have been able to walk further, reduce their medication and reduce the number of visits to healthcare professionals since attending the singing group.

“Our members also make strong connections and friendships by attending the group, reducing social isolation.”

Once a month Persimmon Homes will donate up to £2,000 to a project in the community, and Matt Paine, managing director for Persimmon Homes South Coast, said: “We are thrilled to lend a helping hand to this good cause, which is a much-loved and valuable part of the community."

The choir meet in Tesco Community Space, Southampton Road (Salisbury), every Tuesday from 2.30 - 3.30pm.

For more information contact Olivia by emailing: livmclennan@yahoo.com