'KEEP Britain singing' is the message of a country-wide choir, including its Salisbury branch, who are continuing to unite through song during the Covid-19 crisis.

Not only is Rock Choir using online platforms to continue teaching its members, but every day at 3pm a live session has been going ahead on Facebook so budding singers can join in with learning and performing their favourite pop, rock and chart covers.

From Queen to Bruno Mars and Adele, Rock Choir leaders have been taking turns leading the virtual Keep Britain Singing stream since lockdown was announced on March 23, and they have promised to do so until normal rehearsals resume.

Charlotte Mutch-Jones, Rock Choir leader for Christchurch, Southbourne, Romsey, Ringwood and Salisbury, said around 100 members tuned into her live session, adding: "We feel really privileged to keep going from home and we've had amazing feedback.

"It's so important to keep singing as it gives routine and purpose every day, and more importantly it's putting a smile on faces. We have a dance around, and it's bit of fun to help with positive feelings and wellbeing.

"The sessions are really accessible and it is for anybody - you don't need experience. It's just so uplifting. For a small moment when we sing together, you remember you are part of something bigger."

From Edinburgh Fringe Festival to Salisbury National Armed Forces Day and a flashmob during BBC's Proms in the Park, the Salisbury Rock Choir members are used to performances and "cannot wait to be reunited," Charlotte added.

Talking about the Keep Britain Singing campaign, Rock Choir founder and creative director, Caroline Redman Lusher, said: “The well-being of our members is and will always be our absolute priority and now we have the whole country to consider too.

"We have 32,000 ‘Rockies’ in Rock Choir who, along with the rest of the general public, will each be facing uncertainty. Some will be scared, some lonely and others will be in isolation potentially for a long length of time.

"I implore everyone to join in and sing with us each day. We can then contribute to everyone’s daily routine and be a reliable and constant source of support for our members and the UK community."

Charlotte added: "It reminds members that we are a big family and we are doing this together to get ourselves through it."

To join in with the live Keep Britain Singing sessions visit the Rock Choir Facebook page.